This clinical trial will examine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive form of brain stimulation, can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and brain function in adults with elevated psychopathic traits. The study will also evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering TMS in this population.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active TMS or sham (placebo-like) TMS. The study will compare outcomes between participants receiving active versus sham TMS and will evaluate changes from before to after TMS exposure.
Participants will:
* Complete a baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan. * Receive three single-session TMS interventions. * Complete a post-intervention MRI brain scan. * Complete assessments of social cognition. * Complete assessments of cognitive processing.
The primary objectives are to determine whether TMS can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and functional brain organization and connectivity in adults with elevated psychopathic traits.
18-60 years.
Elevated psychopathy as defined by the self-report psychopathy scale.
IQ >= 80.
No prior diagnosis or current risk of Autism as defined by the autism spectrum quotient.
Current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.
IQ < 80.
Clinically significant neurological disorder or medical illness that would make study participation unsafe, including a history of seizures or significant cardiovascular disease.
Clinically significant abnormality identified on baseline MRI.
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator