Study of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation iTBS to Reduce Appetite Caused by Antipsychotics in Adults with Schizophrenia Aged 18 to 40

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation iTBS in reducing increased appetite caused by antipsychotic medications in people with schizophrenia. The study addresses the metabolic side effects such as weight gain, high blood sugar, and cholesterol issues that raise the risk of death in these patients. It focuses on a less commonly studied iTBS mode compared to conventional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham iTBS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The active group will undergo 600 pulses of iTBS lasting 3 minutes, five times daily with 60-minute breaks, for 5 consecutive days. The sham group will receive a similar schedule without active stimulation. This treatment period is followed by monitoring at 2 and 4 weeks after intervention. During the study, changes in appetite will be assessed using various questionnaires and a visual scale, while clinical symptoms, mood, and cognitive function will also be evaluated. Blood and feces samples will be collected to measure metabolic and neuroregulatory markers, including gut flora changes. Brain activity and blood flow will be monitored by MRI scans before and after treatment. Safety will be checked through symptom scales and adverse event records. The primary outcome is the change in body mass index BMI from baseline to 4 weeks post-treatment.

iTBS for Increased Appetite Induced by Antipsychotics