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

Description

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.

Conditions

Schizophrenia, Schizo Affective Disorder

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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.

Empirical Validation of a Cerebellar-cortical Hallucination Circuit

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

Condition
Schizophrenia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Belmont

McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, United States, 02478

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Mclean Hospital,

Mark Halko, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Mclean Hospital

Study Record Dates

2026-10-31