Brain zaps may sharpen memory in early schizophrenia
NCT ID NCT05102929
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS can improve working memory in people with early-stage schizophrenia. Researchers will use magnetic pulses and EEG to measure brain activity before and after stimulation. The goal is to see if iTBS can temporarily enhance brain function related to memory. 75 participants aged 18-40 with early schizophrenia will take part.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2021
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ages 18-40 years 2. DSM diagnoses of Schizophrenia Spectrum Axis I disorders 3. a duration of less than three years from beginning of psychosis, defined by report of symptoms and/or history of treatment, based on clinical guidelines employed in our UPMC psychoses clinics in Pittsburgh. Exclusion Criteria: 1. DSM intellectual developmental disorder 2. significant head injury 3. medical illness affecting brain structure or function 4. significant neurologic disorder (e.g. seizure disorder) 5. personal history or family history of epilepsy 6. inability to provide informed consent 7. concussion with loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 10 minutes 8. history of electroconvulsive therapy 9. diabetes with associated seizures, loss of sensation/weakness in arms or legs, or momentary LOC 10. pregnancy or postpartum (\<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage), as determined by self-report 11. a psychotic illness with a temporal relation to substance use or head injury. 12. current or past co-morbidity for alcohol or psychoactive substance dependence 13. substance abuse, other than cannabis and/or alcohol, within the past one year
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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