Effects of cerebellar TMS on cognitive functions in schizophrenia

Impact of Cerebellar TMS on Brain and Cognitive Functions in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Study

NA · Northwell Health · NCT05389787

This study is testing if a new brain treatment called rTMS can improve thinking skills in young adults with schizophrenia.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05389787 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on brain and cognitive functions in individuals aged 18 to 40 diagnosed with schizophrenia. A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS alongside standard care for four weeks, with treatment sessions occurring five days a week. The study will utilize functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and cognitive assessments at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment to evaluate changes in brain activity and cognitive performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 18 to 40 with a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with other significant psychiatric or neurological disorders, or those with contraindications to MRI, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive functioning and overall treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using rTMS in schizophrenia is being explored, this specific application targeting cerebellar function is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female subjects 18 to 60 years of age
2. DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
3. Competent to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Lifetime DSM-V diagnosis of an Axis-I disorder other than schizophrenia spectrum disorders
2. Lifetime diagnosis of ataxia or other cerebellar disorders
3. Lifetime diagnosis of mental retardation, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or other neurodegenerative disorders
4. Any active general medical condition or CNS disease which can affect cognition or response to treatment
5. Substance dependence or abuse in the past six months
6. Seizure history
7. TMS within three months or ECT within six months
8. Pregnancy as indicated by self-report
9. MRI contraindications

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Schizophrenia, Cerebellar Function, Condition

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.