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

Launched by MCLEAN HOSPITAL · Apr 20, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a noninvasive method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help us understand and potentially improve hallucinations in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. TMS uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain, which may help researchers learn more about these symptoms and how to treat them effectively.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. However, individuals with certain conditions, such as a history of substance use disorder in the past three months, neurological disorders, or metal implants in their body, may not qualify. If someone decides to participate, they can expect to receive TMS treatment in a safe setting, where researchers will gather information to better understand how this technique might help manage hallucinations. This study is currently looking for participants aged 18 to 65, and it is open to all genders.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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