Enhancing Brain Connectivity in Schizophrenia Through Neuromodulation (Study 2)
Start Date
6/3/2025
Completion Date
5/1/2029
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) will be exposed to active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) from H coil combined with cognitive training for improving white matter integrity.
Detailed Description
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects about 1% of the population but a major source of disability. Information processing between brain regions occurs due to transfer of electrical impulses among them. This process is determined by the existing neuronal/fiber connections, which may be altered and or modified in the presence of neuronal stimulation or cognitive intervention. The frontal lobe information flow is critical for higher cognitive functions, thought processes, and proper emotional and behavioral responses. Improving the myelination in the frontal lobe may increase cognitive functions and reduce risks to develop symptoms of schizophrenia. The investigators propose that increasing electrical signaling in the frontal white matter in patients with schizophrenia may also enhance myelination and improve the white matter integrity. The patients with schizophrenia will receive active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment combined with cognitive training. The rTMS with H coil is FDA-cleared for short-term smoking cessation in the general population. The efficacy of its combination with cognitive training in myelination modulation has not been evaluated.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 18 years to 60 years
Interventions
Active rTMS
Cognitive Training
Conditions
Locations
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Houston, Texas 77054
United States