Brain stimulation study for working memory in early-stage schizophrenia
Tests magnetic brain stimulation against a sham in young adults with early schizophrenia.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Enhancing Prefrontal Oscillations and Working Memory in Early-course Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Pittsburgh, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Source: NCT05102929, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Fabio Ferrarelli
- Trial code
- NCT05102929
- Record updated
- 11 August 2026
- Original description
This study will investigate the effects of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) on natural oscillatory frequency of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and working memory in early-course schizophrenia (EC-SCZ). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to evoke oscillatory activity, and EEG will record the responses of EC-SCZ participants. A working memory task will also be incorporated in order to determine how DLPFC natural frequency (NF) is related to working memory performance. iTBS (active or sham) will be administered, then the oscillatory activity of DLPFC and working memory performance will be reassessed. The overarching goal is to determine whether iTBS can acutely enhance the oscillatory activity of the DLPFC and to evaluate the relationship between changes in the DLPFC and working memory performance.Read full original descriptionShow less
Enhancing Prefrontal Oscillatory Activity and Working Memory Performance With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Early-course Schizophrenia
This study will investigate the effects of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) on natural oscillatory frequency of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and working memory in early-course schizophrenia (EC-SCZ). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to evoke oscillatory activity, and EEG will record the responses of EC-SCZ participants. A working memory task will also be incorporated in order to determine how DLPFC natural frequency (NF) is related to working memory performance. iTBS (active or sham) will be administered, then the oscillatory activity of DLPFC and working memory performance will be reassessed. The overarching goal is to determine whether iTBS can acutely enhance the oscillatory activity of the DLPFC and to evaluate the relationship between changes in the DLPFC and working memory performance.
Inclusion: ages 18-40 years; DSM diagnoses of Schizophrenia Spectrum Axis I disorders; 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: DSM intellectual developmental disorder; medical illness affecting brain structure or function; significant neurologic disorder (e.g. seizure disorder); personal history or family history of epilepsy; history of electroconvulsive therapy; diabetes with associated seizures, loss of sensation/weakness in arms or legs, or momentary LOC; a psychotic illness with a temporal relation to substance use or head injury; significant head injury; inability to provide informed consent; concussion with loss of consciousness (LOC) greater than 10 minutes; pregnancy or postpartum (<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage), as determined by self-report; current or past co-morbidity for alcohol or psychoactive substance dependence; substance abuse, other than cannabis and/or alcohol, within the past one year.