Brain zaps for schizophrenia? new trial tests deep brain stimulation

NCT ID NCT07671261

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Ruijin Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with schizophrenia whose symptoms haven't improved with medication. First, doctors map the brain using electrodes to find the problem areas. Then, they implant a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to those spots. The trial involves 46 participants and will track symptom changes over 12 months.

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 successful, this could offer a new treatment option for people with schizophrenia that hasn't improved with standard therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 46 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Brain surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding, and the treatment may not work for all.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SCHIZO AFFECTIVE DISORDER SCHIZOPHRENIA DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200025, China

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