NCT07196462 · Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Precision Brain Stimulation to Reduce Cannabis Craving in Schizophrenia
What this study is about
The central hypothesis is this: Brain circuits most relevant to cannabis use in schizophrenia are distinct from pathways identified in healthy controls who use cannabis.
View original scientific description
The central hypothesis is this: Brain circuits most relevant to cannabis use in schizophrenia are distinct from pathways identified in healthy controls who use cannabis. This study seeks to provide evidence that targeted stimulation of the DMN leads to both altered network activity and a concomitant behavioral change in cue-induced craving and cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, while targeted stimulation of the L DLPFC leads to these changes in healthy controls who use cannabis. This study will test a model that integrates brain network pathophysiology and cognition to 1) explain the prevalence of cannabis use in schizophrenia and 2) identify a target for engagement in schizophrenia. This study seeks to establish a neuroscientific framework to guide future treatment-oriented studies aimed at reducing craving and improving cognitive performance in individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This is a study of the effect of 2 rTMS interventions on functional connectivity and craving in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and healthy controls who use cannabis. Aim 1: Target Engagement: Determine if rTMS manipulates functional connectivity of each target (DMN, L DLPFC) (n=100). Aim 2: Clinical Efficacy: Determine if rTMS affects cue-induced craving and if craving change correlates with change in functional connectivity (n=100). As an exploratory analysis, the factors that explain individual variance in rTMS-induced connectivity change will also be explored.
Interventions
DEVICE
3 Minute iTBS to the L DLPFC
Five daily sessions of TMS (iTBS) to the L DLPFC target.
DEVICE
One-Minute, Personalized, DMN Targeted CTBS
Personalized, DMN Targeted CTBS to the DMN for one minute, five daily sessions.
Primary outcome measures
Clinical Efficacy: Determine if rTMS affects cue-induced craving and if craving change correlates with change in functional connectivity (n=100).
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Cue-induced craving will be measured using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before, during, and after in-scanner presentation of visual cannabis cues. Whole DMN and L DLPFC-left insula connectivity will be calculated.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- for Psychosis Participants:
- Age between 18-65 years
- Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder according to DSM-5 criteria and confirmed by SCID
- Current cannabis use of at least 2/10 on a Visual Analog Scale
- Current cannabis use (confirmed by urine cannabis testing)
- Must be able to read, speak and understand English
- Must be judged by study staff to be capable of completing the study procedures
- Participants will be in stable outpatient psychiatric treatment and psychiatrically stable with no recent (within the past 30 days) psychiatric hospitalizations or changes in their psychiatric medication regimens. Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls: \- All of the above except for participants will not have a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder nor a first-degree relative with a psychotic disorder.
Exclusion criteria
- for ALL participants:
- DSM-5 intellectual disability
- Substance use disorder (other than cannabis or nicotine) within the past three months
- Positive urine drug screen for illicit substance use that can increase seizure risk (cocaine, benzodiazepines, amphetamine, methamphetamine)
- Any history of a progressive or genetic neurologic disorder (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, tuberous sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease) or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumor), including intracranial lesions
- History of head trauma resulting in any loss of consciousness (\>15 minutes) or neurological sequelae
- Current history of poorly controlled headaches including chronic medication for migraine prevention
- History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
- History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, or immediate (1st degree relative) family history epilepsy with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist
- Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
- Any metal in the brain or skull (excluding dental fillings) or elsewhere in the body unless cleared by the responsible covering MD (e.g. MRI compatible joint replacement)
- Any devices such as pacemaker, medication pump, nerve stimulator, TENS unit, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt unless cleared by the responsible covering MD
- All female participants of child-bearing age will be required to have a pregnancy test; any participant who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant will not be enrolled in the study
- Medications will be reviewed by the responsible covering physician and a decision about inclusion will be made based on the participant's past medical history, drug dose, history of recent medication changes or duration of treatment, and use of CNS active drugs. The published TMS guidelines review of medications to be considered with rTMS will be taken into consideration given their described effects on cortical excitability measures.
- Any changes in medications or hospitalizations within the past 30 days.
- Participants who, in the investigator's opinion, might not be suitable for the study or would be unable to tolerate the study visit These exclusion criteria strictly follow all recommended guidelines as endorsed by the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology and the International Society for Transcranial Stimulation.
Where
- Nashville, Tennessee
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations