Sound waves to the brain may ease Schizophrenia's 'Negative' symptoms

NCT ID NCT05985993

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Shanghai Mental Health Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether low-intensity ultrasound waves aimed at a specific brain area could help reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of motivation and social withdrawal. 78 adults with stable schizophrenia received either real or fake ultrasound over 20 days. Researchers measured changes in symptom scores and brain scans to see if the treatment worked.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to reduce negative symptoms like lack of motivation or social withdrawal in schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 78 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and the effects might be modest or temporary.

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.

schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Mental Health Center

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200030, China

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