Using rTMS guided by brain imaging to treat auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

rTMS for Auditory Hallucinations Guided by Magnetoencephalography

NA · Shanghai Mental Health Center · NCT05598450

This study is testing if a new brain treatment using magnetic stimulation can help people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorShanghai Mental Health Center (other)
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT05598450 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) guided by magnetoencephalography (MEG) in treating auditory hallucinations in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study involves an initial phase where patients undergo MEG to identify specific brain targets, followed by a structured intervention where rTMS is applied to these targets over a four-week period. Participants will receive pseudo stimulation in the first week, followed by real stimulation in the subsequent weeks, with evaluations conducted at various intervals to assess the impact on hallucinations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations and have been on antipsychotic medication for at least one month.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, have major medical illnesses affecting the central nervous system, or have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS for treating auditory hallucinations is being explored, this specific approach guided by MEG is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations was diagnosed by DSM-IV, AHRS \>12, Take sufficient antipsychotics for at least 1 month.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current pregnancy, major medical illness affecting the central nervous system, significant neurologic disorders, intake of drugs including supplements like essential fatty acids that influence prostaglandins or niacin skin flush flash pathway metabolism, a history of suicide risk, or alcohol or drug abuse.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Schizophrenia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.