Using magnetic stimulation to study hallucinations in schizophrenia

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 study investigates how hallucinations in schizophrenia are influenced by brain network activity using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder will undergo initial assessments and MRI scans to evaluate their symptoms and brain connectivity. Following this, they will receive repetitive TMS sessions over five days to modulate brain activity. The study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of hallucinations and assess the potential for TMS to alleviate these symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* substance use disorder in past 3 months
* ambidexterity
* contraindications for TMS or MRI including :
* history of neurological disorder
* history of head trauma resulting in loss of consciousness
* history of seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy or first degree relative family history of epilepsy
* metal in brain or skull
* implanted devices such as a pacemaker, medication pump, nerve stimulator or ventriculoperitoneal shunt
* claustrophobic in MRI

Where it's running

• McLean Hospital
  Belmont, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mark Halko, PhD — Mclean Hospital
• Study coordinator: Mark Halko, PhD
• Email: mhalko@mclean.harvard.edu

Similar studies

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

• Clubhouse-based care for people with schizophrenia and related conditions

  This study tests whether the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation helps thinking skills and daily function more than usual community mental health care in adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorders.

  Recruiting Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, Ohio · NCT07006935

• 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

• Sodium benzoate added to standard treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia

  This study tests whether adding sodium benzoate helps people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia see better symptoms and cognition.

  Recruiting Phase 2 National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · Chiayi City · NCT06340789

• Effects of lumateperone on metabolic side effects in patients taking clozapine for schizophrenia

  This study is testing if adding lumateperone to clozapine treatment can help people with schizophrenia reduce weight gain and cholesterol issues caused by their medication.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Massachusetts, Worcester · Worcester, Massachusetts · NCT06174116

• Using iTBS to Improve Social Cognition in People with Psychosis

  This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation treatment can help people with schizophrenia improve their social skills and thinking.

  Recruiting Northwell Health · Glen Oaks, New York · NCT06118268

• Virtual reality program to improve cognitive skills in people with psychosis

  This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help people with psychosis improve their thinking and social skills over six weeks.

  Recruiting The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre · Ottawa, Ontario · NCT05973110

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.