RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05343598

Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Understand Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Empirical Validation of a Cerebellar-cortical Hallucination Circuit

Sponsor

Mclean Hospital

Enrollment

68 participants

Start Date

Oct 13, 2021

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Schizophrenia Schizo Affective Disorder

Summary

This study uses a noninvasive technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to study how hallucinations work in schizophrenia. TMS is a noninvasive way of stimulating the brain, using a magnetic field to change activity in the brain. The magnetic field is produced by a coil that is held next to the scalp. In this study the investigators will be stimulating the brain to learn more about how TMS might improve these symptoms of schizophrenia.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 55 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique — and MRI to better understand what causes hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there) in people with schizophrenia. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had a substance use disorder in the past 3 months - You are ambidextrous (use both hands equally) - You have a history of neurological disorders, seizures, or epilepsy (or a first-degree relative with epilepsy) - You have had a serious head injury with loss of consciousness - You have metal in your brain or skull, a pacemaker, nerve stimulator, or other implanted device - You are claustrophobic and cannot tolerate an MRI Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICERepetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

rTMS is a technique of TMS that allows for selective external manipulation of neural activity in a non-invasive manner. During rTMS a rapidly changing current is passed through an insulated coil placed against the scalp. This generates a temporary magnetic field, which in turn induces electrical current in neurons and allows for modulation of neural circuitry. The rTMS pulses will be delivered in a pattern consisting of 2 s trains of 3 pulses at 50 Hz, repeated at 5 Hz every 10s for 600 total pulses.

DEVICESham Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)