Enhancing brain activity and memory in early schizophrenia
Enhancing Prefrontal Oscillatory Activity and Working Memory Performance With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Early-course Schizophrenia
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation technique can help improve memory and brain activity in people who are early in their schizophrenia treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05102929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) on the natural oscillatory frequency of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and working memory in patients with early-course schizophrenia. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EEG, the researchers will assess changes in DLPFC activity and memory performance before and after administering active or sham iTBS. The study aims to determine if enhancing DLPFC oscillatory activity can improve working memory function in these patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-40 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and a duration of less than three years from the onset of psychosis.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders, intellectual developmental disorders, or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cognitive functioning and memory in patients with early schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using TMS to enhance cognitive functions, but this specific approach with iTBS in early schizophrenia is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ages 18-40 years 2. DSM diagnoses of Schizophrenia Spectrum Axis I disorders 3. a duration of less than three years from beginning of psychosis, defined by report of symptoms and/or history of treatment, based on clinical guidelines employed in our UPMC psychoses clinics in Pittsburgh. Exclusion Criteria: 1. DSM intellectual developmental disorder 2. significant head injury 3. medical illness affecting brain structure or function 4. significant neurologic disorder (e.g. seizure disorder) 5. personal history or family history of epilepsy 6. inability to provide informed consent 7. concussion with loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 10 minutes 8. history of electroconvulsive therapy 9. diabetes with associated seizures, loss of sensation/weakness in arms or legs, or momentary LOC 10. pregnancy or postpartum (\<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage), as determined by self-report 11. a psychotic illness with a temporal relation to substance use or head injury. 12. current or past co-morbidity for alcohol or psychoactive substance dependence 13. substance abuse, other than cannabis and/or alcohol, within the past one year
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD — University of Pittsbrugh
- Study coordinator: Sabine Janssen
- Email: janssensa@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-246-6114
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.