Enhancing Brain Connectivity in Schizophrenia Through Neuromodulation (Study 3)
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Summary
The aim of the study is to assess the treatment effects of deep active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with H4 coil combined with cognitive training for improving frontal white matter microstructural integrity in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD).
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 cogn…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male and female ages between ages 18-60 years 2. Ability to give written informed consent (age 18 or above) 3. Diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and Evaluation to Sign Consent (ESC) above 10. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to sign informed consent. 2. Any history of seizures. 3. Any acute and unstable major medical illnesses that may affect normal brain functioning. Examples of these conditions include, but not limited to, recent stroke, seizure, history of significant head trauma, CNS infection or tumor, other significant brain neurological conditions…
Interventions
- DeviceActive rTMS
Active H-coil delivered rTMS sessions will be given three times per treatment visit for up to 10 visits within about 2 weeks. There are about 30 minutes breaks between adjacent TMS sessions. Each TMS session takes about 3 to 4 minutes to complete.
- BehavioralStrong Cognitive Training
For the cognitive training sessions, patients will be asked to play cognitive computer games involving processing speed tasks for about 15 to 30 minutes. Strong cognitive training is intended to significantly enhance cognitive functions
- DeviceSham rTMS
Sham H-coil delivered rTMS sessions will be given three times per treatment visit for up to 10 visits within about 2 weeks. There are about 30 minutes breaks between adjacent TMS sessions. Each TMS session takes about 3 to 4 minutes to complete. In case of sham TMS, no actual magnetic stimulation will occur, still the participant hears the TMS sound and a skin sensation.
- BehavioralWeak Cognitive Training
For the cognitive training sessions, patients will be asked to play cognitive computer games involving processing speed tasks for about 15 to 30 minutes. Weak cognitive training may yield only modest improvements in cognitive functions.
Location
- The University of Texas Health Science Center, HoustonHouston, Texas