Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

Effects of cerebellar TMS on cognitive functions in schizophrenia

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

Run by Northwell Health · NCT05389787 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorNorthwell Health
Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 18, 2022
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2027
Study endsAugust 31, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT05389787 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: While the approach of using rTMS in schizophrenia is being explored, this specific application targeting cerebellar function is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Zucker Hillside Hospital
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.