Using deep brain stimulation to treat chronic auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
Official title: Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Auditory Hallucinations in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: an early-stage clinical trial
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11046587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether deep brain stimulation can help people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who hear voices, by targeting specific areas in the brain to see if it can lessen those voices and improve their quality of life over 60 weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $639,500 |
| NIH project number | 5U01MH130625-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who experience persistent auditory hallucinations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or those whose auditory hallucinations are not treatment-resistant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who experience chronic auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). The study aims to modulate specific brain circuits that are disrupted in schizophrenia, particularly focusing on the connections between the superior temporal gyrus and basal ganglia. Patients will receive DBS treatment, and their hallucinations will be monitored using clinical assessments and at-home evaluations over a period of 60 weeks. The goal is to determine if DBS can significantly reduce the severity of AVH and improve overall patient well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from chronic auditory hallucinations who have not responded to conventional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that deep brain stimulation has shown promise in treating similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cascella, Nicola G — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cascella, Nicola G
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.