Accelerated DMN-Targeted cTBS to Modulate DMN Connectivity

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER ·

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation method called continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) can be used in an accelerated, targeted way to change activity in the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) and whether those brain changes are linked to improved thinking abilities. Specifically, researchers will give five cTBS sessions in one day, all aimed at the DMN in the left parietal area, to people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. They will use MRI to guide where the stimulation goes and will look to see if the DMN’s connectivity changes from the start to the end of the MRI session, and whether any connectivity changes relate to cognitive test results. A comparison group of healthy volunteers will also be studied.

Who may be eligible: adults aged 18–65 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are in stable outpatient treatment and can understand English. They should not have conditions or factors that increase risk with brain stimulation (for example, active suicidal thoughts, a history of seizures, metal in or on the body that isn’t cleared, pregnancy, recent substance problems, or certain medical issues). If invited to participate, you would visit Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, undergo brain imaging and cognitive testing, and receive five active cTBS sessions in one day. The study is currently enrolling by invitation, aims to finish around mid-2026, and data sharing is not automatic since this isn’t NIH-funded.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria