Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
This study is looking at how a non-invasive technique called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) might help us understand and potentially improve hallucinations in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. rTMS uses a magnetic coil placed on your scalp to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain. Researchers will compare rTMS to a sham (inactive) rTMS to see if it changes brain activity related to hallucinations. You may be able to join if you are 18 to 55 years old, have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and experience auditory hallucinations. The study aims to see if rTMS can improve symptoms like hallucinations, measured by scales like the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The current recruitment status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study planning to enroll 68 participants. It compares active Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to a sham (inactive) rTMS.
- What's involved
- You would have an initial screening, an MRI scan, five days of twice-daily rTMS sessions, and then a follow-up MRI and assessments one week after the last rTMS session.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- You will have follow-up assessments and an MRI scan one week after your last rTMS session.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Understand Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Mark Halko, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mclean Hospital
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- functional connectivitybaseline, 1 week after TMS
change in functional connectivity of a putative cerebellar-thalamic-cortical hallucination circuit (cerebellum to thalamus) will be assessed before and after (1 week followup) TMS stimulation.
- Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)baseline
The PANSS is clinical rating scale of symptom severity . Each descriptor is rated on a 7 point scale from 1=(absence of any symptom) to 7=(extremely severe symptoms).
- Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS)baseline
The SAPS is clinical rating scale of symptom severity . Each descriptor is rated on a 5 point scale from 1=(absence of any symptom) to 5=(extremely severe symptoms).
- Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) Scale (AHRS)baseline
The AHRS is a 7-item clinical rating scale used to assess auditory hallucinations.