RecruitingNot Applicable

TMS for Inhibition Enhancement in Schizophrenia

United States34 participantsStarted 2026-02-02

Plain-language summary

This study purpose is to perform a pilot mechanistic trial repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) clinical trial in 34 people with schizophrenia (Sz). The trial will evaluate whether inhibitory 1 Hertz (Hz) rTMS targeting motor cortex can increase brain inhibition reflected in a decrease in the short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) score from pre-to-post-treatment. We will also collect preliminary data on the effect of rTMS on the resting functional connectivity of the motor cortex and other brain regions and the relationship of change in SICI to change in cognitive performance

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18-45 years
. Male or Female
. Able to participate in the informed consent process and provide voluntary informed consent.
. A Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) diagnosis of schizophrenia documented by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)

Exclusion criteria

. A history of a DSM-5 substance misuse disorder (other than caffeine or tobacco or mild marijuana misuse) within the past six months; or a positive baseline urine drug screen.
. A history of a current neurological disorder (including, but not limited to Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy, or Multiple Sclerosis)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The change in the short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) score

Timeframe: one week

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06155682

SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-03

Contact for this trial

Stephanie Hare, PhD

410-402-6119 stephanie.hare@som.umaryland.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials