Actively Recruiting
Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Schizophrenia - Trial
Led by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · Updated on 2026-02-03
80
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
184 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Lead Sponsor
U
University of British Columbia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This trial aims to assess the clinical effects and tolerability of Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) as an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia (RS).
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Schizophrenia - Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Are inpatient or outpatient
- Can give informed consent using the MacArthur competence assessment tool for clinical research (MacCAT-CR)
- Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder for at least 2 years confirmed by MINI-7.0
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have shown resistance to at least 2 antipsychotics at 600 mg chlorpromazine equivalents for at least 6 weeks
- Have a baseline BPRS score showing moderate severity (>4) on one of four psychotic items or a combined score of at least 12 on these items
- Are suitable to receive convulsive therapy as assessed by an ECT psychiatrist and anesthesiologist
- Are on an adequate dose of antipsychotic and agree to keep it constant during the study
- Are able to follow the treatment schedule
- Meet safety criteria for MST
- If a woman of child-bearing potential, willing to provide a negative pregnancy test and agree not to become pregnant during the trial
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a substance use disorder diagnosis (except nicotine and caffeine) within the past 3 months
- Have a major unstable medical illness
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- Have probable dementia
- Have significant neurological disorders or conditions that increase intracranial pressure or brain lesions
- Have serious medical conditions
- Have intracranial implants or metal objects near the head that cannot be safely removed
- Require benzodiazepines over lorazepam 2 mg/day or anticonvulsants that may limit treatment efficacy
- Cannot communicate fluently in English to complete tests
- Have non-correctable hearing or vision impairments that interfere with neuropsychological testing
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of British Columbia Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2A1
Actively Recruiting
2
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6J 1H4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel Blumberger, MD., MSc.
CONTACT
H
Hannah Taalman, MSc.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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