rTMS for Depressive, Positive and Negative Symptoms, and Physiological Indices of Schizophrenia Patients

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jan 2, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients with schizophrenia who also experience depressive symptoms. About 40% of people with schizophrenia have depression, which can lead to serious risks like suicide and a lower quality of life. The goal of this study is to determine how effective rTMS, or a newer version called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), is at improving not just depressive symptoms, but also negative symptoms (like lack of motivation) and cognitive function in these patients.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 20 years old, diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and have a certain level of depressive symptoms as measured by a specific scale. They must also be stable on their current medications for at least a month. Throughout the study, participants will receive non-invasive brain stimulation, which does not require anesthesia and is generally well-tolerated. It’s important to note that individuals with certain conditions, like substance use disorders or specific medical implants, may not be able to participate. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will help contribute to understanding new treatment options for managing depression in schizophrenia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 20 years
• • Able to give informed consent
• • Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-5
• • Has a score ≥ 7 on Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia
• • The principal psychotropic agents are not changed within one month of the first session of rTMS
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • DSM-5 defined substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) in the past 3 months
• • Have clinically relevant cognitive impairment (e.g., delirium, intellectual disability or MMSE \< 15)
• • With electronic and/or magnetic implants (e.g. pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator \[ICD\], cerebral shunts, cochlear implant, etc.)
• • With metallic or mechanic fragments (e.g., screws, plates, stents, clips, etc.)
• • Pregnant, or has a pregnancy plan within 3 months
• • With any known or history of neurological conditions including cerebral vascular accidents, epilepsy (or epileptiform waves detected by EEG prior to the first session of rTMS), brain tumor or space occupying lesion
• • Received rTMS or iTBS treatment within 3 months
• • Has a clinically significant abnormality on the screening examination that might affect safety, study participation, or confound interpretation of study results