Trial Information

Summary: Treatment of Negative Symptoms and Social Dysfunction of Schizophrenia with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

This study is a trial of an outpatient, non-invasive investigational treatment called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS applies a magnetic field to the brain for a brief period of time. It is a procedure that involves approximately 45 minute-long daily sessions every weekday for a series of weeks. We are testing whether rTMS can treat the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or sham (placebo) rTMS. If patients receive sham and do not improve, they have the option of receiving real rTMS.

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-55 years old
• Primary diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder
• Stable symptoms with no change in antipsychotic medication for past 4 weeks or other psychotropic meds for 2 weeks
• English speaking
• Able to commute to NYC for daily treatments (Monday - Friday) for 4 weeks

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior treatment with TMS or Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
• Current illicit drug use
• Metal objects in head
• Current major depression, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding
• Neurological Disorder, history of seizure or stroke
• Use of benzodiazepines > 3mg

For more information,

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.