NCT07290738 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
What this study is about
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.
View original scientific description
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
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
- 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, implanted medication pumps, intracardiac lines, or acute, unstable cardiac disease, with intracranial implants (e.g. aneurysm clips, shunts, stimulators, cochlear implants, or electrodes) or any other metal object within or near the head, excluding the mouth, that cannot be safely removed.
- History of head injury with loss of consciousness over 10 minutes; history of brain surgery
- 0 Cannot refrain from using alcohol and/or marijuana 24 hours or more prior to experiments.
- Woman who is pregnant (child-bearing potential but not on contraceptive and missing menstrual period; or by self-report; or by positive pregnancy test) or has had unprotected sexual intercourse without birth control in the last 4 weeks.
- Moderate-High Risk of suicide according to the Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Screen Version - Recent (i.e. answers YES to Question 2 and NO to Question 6 (Moderate risk); or answers YES to Questions 3 (Moderate risk), 4, 5, or 6 (High risk) or in the clinical judgement of the investigator or the study psychiatrist.
- History (or family history) of deep vein thrombosis.
Where
- Houston, Texas
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 Mar 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations