Brain zaps aim to lift apathy in schizophrenia

NCT ID NCT06642675

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Central South University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a precise magnetic pulse to a specific brain area can improve negative symptoms like apathy and social withdrawal in people with schizophrenia. Forty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation daily for 10 days. Researchers will measure symptom changes right after treatment and again one month later.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) using intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug way to reduce negative symptoms like lack of motivation and social withdrawal in schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 40 people. The sham group may also show improvement, and results may not apply to everyone with schizophrenia.

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.

schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mental Health Institute of Second Xiangya Hospital,CSU
RECRUITING

Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China

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