Brain pacemaker trial aims to quiet voices in Treatment-Resistant schizophrenia

NCT ID NCT07592611

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This pilot study will test whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with schizophrenia who still hear voices and have delusions despite trying multiple medications. Fifteen adults will have electrodes placed in a brain region linked to schizophrenia symptoms. The goal is to see if this approach is safe and reduces severe symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new option for people with severe schizophrenia who don't respond to any medications.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study (15 people) with no prior human data for this condition. DBS is not FDA-approved for schizophrenia and carries surgical risks like infection or bleeding.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

schizoaffective disorder treatment-refractory schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TREATMENT RESISTANT DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.