20 Participants Needed

TMS for Psychosis

AO
HE
Overseen ByHamdi Eryilmaz, Ph.D
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The main goal of this study is to investigate the neural mechanisms of working memory function in patients with early psychosis using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in conjunction with functional MRI. TMS is a noninvasive method used to modulate brain activity via changing magnetic fields applied over the surface of the scalp.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment TMS for Psychosis?

Some studies suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may improve symptoms in schizophrenia, particularly negative symptoms, when compared to a placebo. However, the evidence is mixed, and more high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.12345

Is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) safe for humans?

Research indicates that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally safe for humans, with serious adverse events being rare across various neuropsychiatric conditions.12367

How does TMS treatment for psychosis differ from other treatments?

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is unique because it uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, which is different from traditional drug treatments. It is non-invasive and can be used as a placebo (sham) treatment, which mimics the sensation of real TMS without the actual brain stimulation, making it a novel approach in treating psychosis.23489

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals within the first ten years of experiencing psychotic symptoms, diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar with psychosis. Participants must be able to understand and agree to the study's procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

I was diagnosed with a psychotic disorder within the first 10 years of showing symptoms.
Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

TMS incompatibility including metallic implants in head and neck, cardiac pacemakers, history of seizures, pregnancy
MRI-incompatibility including implanted aneurism clips, cardiac pacemakers, metal implants, intrauterine devices, tattoos containing metal ink, pregnancy, and claustrophobia
Severe substance abuse within 3 months (nicotine allowed)
See 1 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive single-session administration of TMS or placebo TMS with functional MRI acquired before and after the intervention

1 day
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1-2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Active TMS
  • Placebo TMS
Trial OverviewThe study is testing how working memory functions in early psychosis patients using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) alongside brain imaging. TMS uses magnetic fields on the scalp to influence brain activity noninvasively.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Active TMSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive single-session administration of TMS. Functional MRI will be acquired before and immediately after the intervention.
Group II: Placebo TMSPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants will also receive single session administration of placebo TMS (at least two days apart from the day of the active TMS). Functional MRI will be acquired before and immediately after the intervention.

Active TMS is already approved in United States, European Union, United Kingdom for the following indications:

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Approved in United States as TMS for:
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Migraines
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Approved in European Union as TMS for:
  • Depression
  • Migraines
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Approved in United Kingdom as TMS for:
  • Depression

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,066
Recruited
13,430,000+

Findings from Research

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) showed significant benefits over sham treatment in reducing positive symptoms of schizophrenia and improving overall global state, based on a systematic review of 41 trials involving 1473 participants.
Despite these promising results, the overall quality of the trials was low, with many showing strong biases, making it difficult to recommend TMS for routine clinical use without further high-quality research.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Schizophrenia.Dougall, N., Maayan, N., Soares-Weiser, K., et al.[2023]
The new real electro-magnetic placebo (REMP) device effectively simulates the scalp sensations of real repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) while ensuring that it does not produce any biologically active electric fields, making it a more reliable sham for clinical trials.
In tests, naive subjects were more likely to mistake the REMP-attenuated TMS for real rTMS compared to other sham methods, indicating that the REMP device provides a superior placebo experience, which is crucial for accurately assessing the efficacy of rTMS treatments.
A real electro-magnetic placebo (REMP) device for sham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).Rossi, S., Ferro, M., Cincotta, M., et al.[2021]
In a study involving 22 chronic schizophrenia patients, high-frequency left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) did not show a significant therapeutic effect compared to sham treatment over 10 sessions.
Both groups experienced improvements in symptoms, but the real rTMS group had only one patient with a notable reduction in symptoms, suggesting that the observed benefits may be due to nonspecific effects rather than the rTMS treatment itself.
Left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia.Holi, MM., Eronen, M., Toivonen, K., et al.[2022]

References

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Schizophrenia. [2023]
A real electro-magnetic placebo (REMP) device for sham transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). [2021]
Left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia. [2022]
Efficacy of adjuvant high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia: preliminary results of a double-blind sham-controlled study. [2007]
5.Russia (Federation)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[Augmentation therapy of resistant schizophrenia with rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation]. [2023]
[Effectiveness and safety of high dose transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia with refractory negative symptoms: a randomized controlled study]. [2018]
Evidence from Indian studies on safety and efficacy of therapeutic transcranial magnetic stimulation across neuropsychiatric disorders- A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]
A systematic review and meta-analysis on placebo response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression trials. [2018]
Placebo Response in Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Trials of Treatment of Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia: A Meta-Analysis. [2022]