RecruitingNot Applicable

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

United States20 participantsStarted 2026-03-13

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to angular gyrus (AG) will improve negative symptoms and/or other psychosis symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) patients compared with prefrontal cortex (PFC) or sham.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 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: * Ability to give written informed consent * Diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and Evaluation to Sign Consent (ESC) above 10. * Is currently under the care of a licensed primary care provider or mental healthcare provider (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker). * Have negative symptoms as determined by BNSS score of 20 or more. * Agrees to provide written permission, as requested, to allow any and all forms of communication between the investigators and study staff and any health care provider who currently provides and/or has provided service to the subject within two years of study enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Persons with a first-degree relative with inherited epilepsy, seizure disorder, or seizures or persons who answer "yes" to any of the parts (A. - G.) of Question 3 of an epilepsy screening questionnaire. * Taking \> 400 mg clozapine/day and not on anti-seizure medication(s) with sufficient dose. * Failed TMS screening questionnaire. * Significant alcohol or other drug use (substance dependence within the recent months) or positive urine toxicology screen for substance not prescribed other than nicotine or marijuana dependence. * Any major medical illnesses that may affect normal brain functioning. Examples of these conditions include, but not limited to, stroke, Central nervous System (CNS)infection or tumor, other significant brain neurological conditions. * Cardiac pacemakers, i…

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

Change in blood-brain barrier (BBB) water exchange rate at AG obtained from MRI scan

Timeframe: baseline (before treatment visit 1), midpoint (after treatment visit 10; about 2 weeks from baseline), and end of acute treatment (after treatment visit 20; about 4 weeks from baseline)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07290738

SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-11-30

Contact for this trial

Xiaoming Du, PhD

443-882-9717 Xiaoming.Du@uth.tmc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 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.