Using brain stimulation to treat depression in schizophrenia patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The study focuses on patients who have not responded adequately to traditional antidepressant therapies, aiming to provide a new treatment option for those experiencing significant depressive symptoms. rTMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, and this trial will specifically explore the efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a newer variant of rTMS. The trial will assess changes in depressive symptoms, positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and physiological indices.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 20 years
* Able to give informed consent
* Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-5
* Has a score ≥ 7 on Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia
* The principal psychotropic agents are not changed within one month of the first session of rTMS

Exclusion Criteria:

* DSM-5 defined substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) in the past 3 months
* Have clinically relevant cognitive impairment (e.g., delirium, intellectual disability or MMSE \< 15)
* With electronic and/or magnetic implants (e.g. pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator \[ICD\], cerebral shunts, cochlear implant, etc.)
* With metallic or mechanic fragments (e.g., screws, plates, stents, clips, etc.)
* Pregnant, or has a pregnancy plan within 3 months
* With any known or history of neurological conditions including cerebral vascular accidents, epilepsy (or epileptiform waves detected by EEG prior to the first session of rTMS), brain tumor or space occupying lesion
* Received rTMS or iTBS treatment within 3 months
* Has a clinically significant abnormality on the screening examination that might affect safety, study participation, or confound interpretation of study results

Where it's running

• Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch
  Douliu, Yunlin, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Chia-Hao Ma, MD — Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch
• Study coordinator: Chia-Hao Ma, MD
• Email: chiahaoma.tw@gmail.com
• Phone: +886-5-5323911

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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.