Brain zap trial aims to sharpen thinking in schizophrenia
NCT ID NCT06003036
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether a fast form of brain stimulation (accelerated iTBS) can improve thinking and memory in 30 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are already taking the medication clozapine. Participants will receive both real stimulation and a sham (fake) version in a random order, while their brain activity is measured with MRI. The goal is to see if the stimulation changes brain connections linked to working memory.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to boost thinking and memory in people with schizophrenia who are already on clozapine.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study (30 people) looking at brain scans, not symptoms. It may not lead to any real-world benefit, and the effects could be temporary or no different from sham.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital/University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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