Actively Recruiting
Therapeutic Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depressive, Positive and Negative Symptoms, and Physiological Indices of Schizophrenia Patients
Led by National Taiwan University Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-22
180
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on depressive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive function, and physiological markers in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. This study addresses the need for new treatments since about 40% of schizophrenia patients experience depressive symptoms that increase risks like suicide and worsen quality of life, and current antidepressants show limited effect. The trial evaluates these brain stimulation methods as alternative therapies for these challenging symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: conventional rTMS, iTBS, sham rTMS, or sham iTBS. Both active treatments target the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex but differ in stimulation frequency and duration. Conventional rTMS uses 10Hz stimulation with 3000 pulses per session over two weeks, while iTBS applies bursts at 50Hz frequency with 1800 pulses per session for the same duration. Sham groups receive simulated treatments mimicking the active protocols without actual stimulation. Throughout the study, participants will be evaluated at multiple time points up to 85 days after starting treatment. Assessments include changes in depressive symptoms measured by the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, as well as evaluations of positive and negative symptoms, clinical global impression, and personal and social functioning. This comprehensive monitoring helps researchers understand how these treatments affect various aspects of schizophrenia over time while ensuring participant safety and adherence.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
rTMS for Depressive, Positive and Negative Symptoms, and Physiological Indices of Schizophrenia Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 20 years or older
- Able to give informed consent
- Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder according to DSM-5
- Has a score of 7 or higher on the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia
- Psychotropic medications have not changed within one month before the first rTMS session
You will not qualify if you...
- Substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) within the past 3 months
- Clinically relevant cognitive impairment such as delirium, intellectual disability, or MMSE score below 15
- Presence of electronic or magnetic implants like pacemakers or cochlear implants
- Presence of metallic or mechanical fragments such as screws, plates, or stents
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy within 3 months
- History of neurological conditions including stroke, epilepsy, brain tumor, or space-occupying lesions
- Received rTMS or iTBS treatment within the past 3 months
- Clinically significant abnormalities on screening that may affect safety or study participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using different protocols.
Daily visits, 5 sessions per week
Duration - Up to 10 weeks after treatment
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms and other schizophrenia-related measures after completing rTMS treatment.
Visits on Day 8, Day 15, Day 29, Day 57, and Day 85
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch
Douliu, Yunlin, Taiwan, 640
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chia-Hao Ma, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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