Using magnetic stimulation to improve cognition in psychotic disorders

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 aims to investigate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on cognitive performance in individuals with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Participants will perform cognitive tasks and undergo brain scans before and after receiving different forms of TMS to assess changes in processing speed and brain activity. The study seeks to determine if cognitive impairments in these disorders can be modified non-invasively, providing insights into potential new interventions for improving quality of life. TMS is already FDA-approved for other psychiatric conditions, making this approach a promising avenue for treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18-55 years
* Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (i.e. schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder type I)
* Must be able to read, speak and understand English
* Must be judged by study staff to be capable of completing the study procedures
* Participants will be in stable outpatient treatment with no recent (within the past 30 days) hospitalizations or changes in their medication regimens.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 diagnosis of moderate substance use disorder within the past month
* Conditions that might result in increased risks of side effects or complications from rTMS or MRI, including:

  * Intracranial pathology from a known genetic disorder (e.g., Neurofibromatosis 1, tuberous sclerosis) or from acquired neurologic disease (e.g. stroke, tumor), cerebral palsy, history of severe head injury, or significant dysmorphology;
  * History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
  * History of multiple seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy
  * Any progressive (e.g., neurodegenerative) neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease
  * Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
  * Metal implants (excluding dental fillings) unless cleared by the responsible covering MD (i.e. MRI compatible joint replacement)
  * Pacemaker
  * Implanted medication pump
  * Vagal nerve stimulator
  * Deep brain stimulator or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation unit
  * Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt
  * Signs of increased intracranial pressure
  * Intracranial lesion
  * History of head injury resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness (\>15minutes) or neurological sequelae
  * Pregnancy: All participants capable of becoming pregnant will be required to have a pregnancy test; any participant who is pregnant will not be enrolled in the study.

Where it's running

• McLean Hospital
  Belmont, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Similar studies

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

• Examining the effects of combined therapy for schizophrenia

  This study is testing whether combining two therapies, one for managing thoughts and another for improving cognitive skills, can help people with schizophrenia do better in their daily lives compared to using just one of the therapies.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Toronto · Scarborough Village, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT05731414

• State Representation in Early Psychosis 2

  This observational study tests how people with early psychosis and healthy individuals use state information during tasks and how brain activity supports it.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, Minnesota and 1 other locations · NCT07834203

• Trying the Kiso Mind smartphone app for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

  This study tests whether the Kiso Mind smartphone app is acceptable, practical, and helpful for adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder alongside their usual care.

  Recruiting Charite University, Berlin, Germany · Berlin, State of Berlin · NCT07395206

• Improving rehabilitation for veterans with serious mental illness

  This study is testing a new computer program to help veterans with serious mental illnesses improve their thinking and daily life skills.

  Recruiting VA Office of Research and Development · San Diego, California · NCT06586164

• Using Lumateperone to improve motivation in patients with schizophrenia and psychosis

  This study is testing if Lumateperone can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders feel more motivated and less apathetic.

  Recruiting Phase 3 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport · Shreveport, Louisiana · NCT06482554

• Enhanced care for early psychosis treatment

  This study is testing whether a new, more supportive treatment for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis helps them stay engaged in their care better than standard treatment.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Mclean Hospital · Belmont, Massachusetts and 4 other locations · NCT06071858

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.