The purpose of the study is to test the hypothesis that functionally navigated repetitive TMS stimulations to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) modulate aberrant cortical electrical activities at PFC circuitry. The TMS location of the PFC site will be individually localized by the symptom-related functional connectivity between PFC and symptom related areas (such as the auditory and language processing cortex). The investigators predict that such modulation will correct abnormal activities in patients with schizophrenia, reduce symptoms, especially auditory hallucination, and improve working memory/sustained attention performance.
Male and female ages between ages 18-50 years
Ability to give written informed consent (age 18 or above)
Diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and Evaluation to Sign Consent (ESC) above 10.
Is currently under the care of a licensed primary care provider or mental healthcare provider (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker).
Persons with a first-degree relative with inherited epilepsy, seizure disorder, or seizures or persons who answer "yes" to any of the parts (A. - G.) of Question 3 of an epilepsy screening questionnaire.
Taking > 400 mg clozapine/day and not on anti-seizure medication(s) with sufficient dose.
Failed TMS screening questionnaire.
Significant alcohol or other drug use (substance abuse within 1 month or substance dependence history within 6 months and having substance usage within 1 month) other than nicotine or marijuana dependence
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator