Study of iTBS Treatment to Improve Social Thinking in Adults with Psychosis Aged 18 to 39

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation iTBS applied to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex DMPFC can improve social cognitive performance in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or other psychotic disorders. This study aims to compare changes in social cognition and brain network connectivity between participants receiving active iTBS and those receiving sham stimulation. The trial is led by Northwell Health and involves adults aged 18 to 39 years. Participants will receive either active or sham iTBS five days a week for four consecutive weeks. The iTBS is delivered using a MagPro R30 stimulator with a Cool-B70 coil and Qooler fluid-cooling device, positioned under MRI guidance with the Visor 2.0 system. The study is randomized and double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives active or sham treatment during the trial. Throughout the study, participants will undergo functional MRI scans, clinical assessments, and cognitive testing before treatment, immediately after the four-week treatment period, and again six months later. Researchers will assess changes in social cognitive performance and brain network functional connectivity. The total participation period includes these evaluations to monitor lasting effects and safety.

iTBS to Enhance Social Cognition in People With Psychosis