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Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Auditory Hallucinations
Sponsor: Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal
Summary
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.
Official title: The Use of Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Persistent Auditory Hallucinations: A Pilot Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
12
Start Date
2025-09-10
Completion Date
2027-12
Last Updated
2026-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS)
Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) will be delivered using a MagPro transcranial magnetic stimulation system (MagVenture) equipped with a B-70 coil. Each session will combine bilateral continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) targeting the temporoparietal junctions (900 pulses per hemisphere at 90% of the resting motor threshold) and intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (600 pulses at 120% of the resting motor threshold). Stimulation targets will be identified using the international 10-20 EEG system (F3 for the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the midpoint between T3 and P3 for the left temporoparietal junction). Participants will receive two sessions daily over 10 weekdays, for a total of 20 treatment sessions.
Locations (1)
Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada