Using magnetic stimulation to study hallucinations in schizophrenia
Empirical Validation of a Cerebellar-cortical Hallucination Circuit
This study is testing if using magnetic stimulation on the brain can help reduce hallucinations in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mclean Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belmont, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05343598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who experience auditory hallucinations.
Not a fit: Patients with recent substance use disorders, neurological disorders, or contraindications for TMS or MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using TMS for treating psychiatric conditions have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Belmont, Massachusetts
- 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
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.