Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treating Depressive and Other Symptoms in Schizophrenia Patients

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.

rTMS for Depressive, Positive and Negative Symptoms, and Physiological Indices of Schizophrenia Patients