Actively Recruiting
TMS for Inhibition Enhancement in Schizophrenia
Led by University of Maryland, Baltimore · Updated on 2026-02-13
34
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
164 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study purpose is to perform a pilot mechanistic trial repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) clinical trial in 34 people with schizophrenia (Sz). The trial will evaluate whether inhibitory 1 Hertz (Hz) rTMS targeting motor cortex can increase brain inhibition reflected in a decrease in the short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) score from pre-to-post-treatment. We will also collect preliminary data on the effect of rTMS on the resting functional connectivity of the motor cortex and other brain regions and the relationship of change in SICI to change in cognitive performance
CONDITIONS
Official Title
TMS for Inhibition Enhancement in Schizophrenia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18-45 years
- Male or Female
- Able to participate in the informed consent process and provide voluntary informed consent
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia confirmed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of substance misuse disorder (except caffeine, tobacco, mild marijuana) in past 6 months or positive urine drug screen
- Current neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease, epilepsy, or Multiple Sclerosis
- History of head trauma causing unconsciousness
- Contraindications to TMS (history of seizures other than febrile, ferromagnetic metal in cranium, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulation electrodes)
- Contraindications to MRI (e.g., pacemakers or metal in body)
- Suspected intellectual disability based on clinical interview
- Pregnancy
- Change in antipsychotic medication type in last 30 days or dose in last 14 days
- Treatment with benzodiazepine equivalent to lorazepam 2 mg/day or higher or anticonvulsants
- Prior treatment with TMS (5+ sessions) in past 6 months
- Active suicidal thoughts or behaviors in last 30 days based on Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- Simpson-Angus Scale score 7 or higher indicating worse extrapyramidal symptoms
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center
Catonsville, Maryland, United States, 21228
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Stephanie Hare, PhD
CONTACT
J
Jennifer Zaranski
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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