Using iTBS to Improve Social Cognition in People with Psychosis

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 intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on social cognitive performance in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders. Participants will receive either active or sham iTBS treatment five days a week for four weeks, with assessments including functional MRI scans and cognitive tests conducted before, after, and six months post-treatment. The study aims to compare the changes in social cognition and functional connectivity between the two groups to determine the efficacy of the treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-39 years.
2. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (documented by SCID-5).
3. Prescription of antipsychotic medication for at least 60 days and constant dose for 30 days prior to study entry (either first- or second-generation antipsychotics permitted).
4. Able to participate in the informed consent process and provide voluntary informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of a DSM-5 substance use disorder (other than cannabis, caffeine, or tobacco) within the past six months; or a positive baseline urine drug screen. Only participants meeting for moderate to severe cannabis use disorder will be excluded.
2. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (i.e., insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with onset \< 35 years of age and/or diabetes mellitus that has been complicated by a prior documented episode of ketoacidosis)
3. Acute or unstable medical illness (e.g., delirium, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, decompensated cardiac, hepatic, renal or pulmonary disease, stroke, or myocardial infarction), whose pathology or treatment could alter the presentation or treatment of schizophrenia or significantly increase the risk associated with the proposed treatment protocol
4. Neurological disease associated with extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (e.g., Parkinson's disease); epilepsy, if the person has had one or more grand mal seizures in the past 18 months; history or physical signs of stroke; any diagnosis of a Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder
5. Requires a benzodiazepine with a dose equivalent to lorazepam 2 mg/day or higher due to the potential of these medications to limit the efficacy of iTBS
6. Suspected DSM-5 intellectual disability based upon clinical interview and psychosocial history
7. Prior Psychosurgery
8. Presence of MRI contraindications (e.g., pacemakers)
9. Pregnancy
10. TMS treatment in the past three months

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Andrea Joanlanne
• Email: ajoanlanne@northwell.edu
• Phone: 718-470-8898

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.