Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Funct… (NCT07635940) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture
United States60 participantsStarted 2026-06
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial will examine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive form of brain stimulation, can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and brain function in adults with elevated psychopathic traits. The study will also evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering TMS in this population.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active TMS or sham (placebo-like) TMS. The study will compare outcomes between participants receiving active versus sham TMS and will evaluate changes from before to after TMS exposure.
Participants will:
* Complete a baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan.
* Receive three single-session TMS interventions.
* Complete a post-intervention MRI brain scan.
* Complete assessments of social cognition.
* Complete assessments of cognitive processing.
The primary objectives are to determine whether TMS can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and functional brain organization and connectivity in adults with elevated psychopathic traits.
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:
* 18-60 years.
* Elevated psychopathy as defined by the self-report psychopathy scale.
* IQ \>= 80.
* No prior diagnosis or current risk of Autism as defined by the autism spectrum quotient.
* Negative urine drug screen.
* At least 7 Days of abstinence from substance use (excluding nicotine)
* Able to provide informed consent.
* No change in psychiatric medication regimen, or medication-free, for 4 weeks before study.
* Adequate English proficiency to complete study procedures and assessments.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.
* IQ \< 80.
* Clinically significant neurological disorder or medical illness that would make study participation unsafe, including a history of seizures or significant cardiovascular disease.
* Clinically significant abnormality identified on baseline MRI.
* Contraindication to MRI or inability to undergo MRI scanning.
* Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness greater than 15 minutes.
* Diagnosis of dementia.
* Current prescription for benzodiazepines or anticonvulsants.
* Metal implants or non-removable metal objects above the waist.
* Lifetime history of prior clinical treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
* Serious risk of suicide or homicide.
* Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures.
* History of intractable migraine.
* …
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
1
Social Cognition Task Battery Performance
Timeframe: within 10 minutes after the intervention.
2
Serial and Parallel Cognitive Processing Task Performance
Timeframe: within 10 minutes after the intervention.