Actively Recruiting
Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for People With Schizophrenia Treated With Clozapine
Led by Deepak K. Sarpal, M.D. · Updated on 2026-04-13
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
134 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
D
Deepak K. Sarpal, M.D.
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
In this study, the investigators will examine whether a type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can augment neurocognition in individuals who receive treatment with clozapine. Following a baseline evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), participants will undergo a session of iTBS +MRI and session of sham delivery + MRI. The order for these sessions will be blinded and randomized. The investigators predict that accelerated iTBS will enhance neurocognition relative to sham delivery.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for People With Schizophrenia Treated With Clozapine
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- A current diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on DSM-5 criteria
- Age between 18 and 50 years
- At least four months of treatment with clozapine
- History of at least two unsuccessful antipsychotic treatment trials
- Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
- Clinically optimized clozapine dose unchanged for at least one month, with a minimum of 150 mg per day
You will not qualify if you...
- Serious neurological or medical condition or treatment affecting the brain
- Significant risk of suicidal or homicidal behavior
- Cognitive or language impairments preventing informed consent
- Pregnancy or within six weeks postpartum
- Prior treatment with electroconvulsive therapy
- Contraindications to MRI, such as having a pacemaker
- Moderate or severe substance use disorder verified by DSM-5, including alcohol use disorder
- History of seizures or seizure disorder related to clozapine use
- Concurrent use of bupropion with clozapine
- Previous problems with intermittent theta burst or transcranial magnetic stimulation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital/University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tori Blazinski
CONTACT
D
Deepak Sarpal
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here