Brain stimulation tested for voices in adults with psychotic disorders
Tests magnetic brain stimulation to reduce hearing voices in adults with psychotic disorders.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Auditory Hallucinations
Key facts
- Where
- Montreal, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de MontréalMontreal, CanadaTaking 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
- Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal
- Trial code
- NCT07902518
- Record updated
- 29 October 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help reduce persistent auditory verbal hallucinations (hearing voices) in adults with psychotic disorders who have not responded adequately to antipsychotic medications.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Use of Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Persistent Auditory Hallucinations: A Pilot Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can help reduce persistent auditory verbal hallucinations (hearing voices) in adults with psychotic disorders who have not responded adequately to antipsychotic medications.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does theta-burst stimulation reduce the severity of auditory verbal hallucinations? * Does theta-burst stimulation improve other psychiatric symptoms, including depressive symptoms and insight into illness? * How well do participants tolerate this treatment, and what side effects do they experience?
All participants will receive active theta-burst stimulation. There is no placebo or comparison group.
Participants will:
* Complete an initial assessment of their mental health, symptoms, and medical history. * Receive 20 brain stimulation sessions over two consecutive weeks, with two sessions per day on weekdays. * Complete follow-up assessments approximately one week and one month after treatment to evaluate changes in symptoms and overall functioning. * Report any side effects experienced during treatment and follow-up.
Inclusion: Adults aged 18 years or older; Diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms; Presence of persistent auditory verbal hallucinations with persecutory content; Auditory verbal hallucinations s that have not responded to ≥2 antipsychotic trials, each lasting more than 6 weeks, with daily chlorpromazine-equivalent doses of ≥600 mg and ≥80% of doses taken; Stable pharmacological treatment for at least two months before enrollment.
Exclusion: Substance use disorder within the previous six months; Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the previous six months; History of epilepsy or seizures; Neurological disorders that may interfere with the study or increase the risks associated with transcranial magnetic stimulation; Any other contraindication to transcranial magnetic stimulation.