Stanford scientists zap brains to unlock schizophrenia secrets
NCT ID NCT07010614
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS to see if it can change brain activity in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will measure brain waves before and after stimulation to understand how the hippocampus works in this condition. The goal is not to treat symptoms directly, but to gather knowledge that could lead to better therapies in the future. About 60 adults with schizophrenia or related disorders will participate.
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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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
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 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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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: * Men and women, ages 18 to 65 years * Medically intractable epilepsy requiring phase II monitoring (intracranial EEG arms only) * DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum Axis I disorders including delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder (non-invasive TMS-EEG arms only). * Must have intellectual capacity to ensure adequate comprehension of the study and potential risks involved in order to provide informed consent * No current or history of major neurological disorders other than epilepsy. Exclusion Criteria: * DSM5 diagnosis of intellectual disability * Significant head injury * Active suicidal ideation or history of suicide attempt within the past 1 year. * Medical illness affecting brain structure or function, or other uncontrolled or unstable medical condition. * Pregnancy or postpartum (\<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage) * Inability to provide informed consent * Active substance abuse other than alcohol or cannabis within the past 1 year * Psychotic illness with a temporal relation to substance use or head injury * Those with a contraindication for MRIs or TMS (e.g. implanted metal).
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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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Stanford University
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94305, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Ultrasound maps gluteal muscle to improve depot injection safety
- Can talk therapy and social coaching ease early psychosis?
- Mood-Boosting activities put to the test in schizophrenia
- Brain training may reshape brain chemistry in schizophrenia
- Could a single daily dose of clozapine work just as well?