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Using magnetic stimulation to improve thinking in psychotic disorders

Plain-English translation of NCT06107764 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity—can improve thinking and memory problems in people diagnosed with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers know that cognitive problems are one of the biggest reasons people with these illnesses struggle with daily life, yet there are few treatments that specifically target these symptoms. This study will compare two different patterns of magnetic stimulation against a sham (fake) treatment to see which works best.

People with psychotic disorders often experience serious problems with thinking, memory, and concentration that make it hard to work, go to school, or maintain relationships—but current medications don't reliably help with these cognitive issues. This trial exists because researchers believe the brain's thinking circuits can be improved with non-invasive magnetic stimulation, offering a new hope for better outcomes.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 55 years old
you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder type I
you are currently in stable outpatient treatment with no recent hospitalizations or medication changes in the past month
you are able to read, speak, and understand English
you are judged by study staff to be capable of completing the study procedures

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a moderate or severe substance use disorder in the past month
you have a history of seizures, epilepsy, or fainting spells of unknown cause
you have metal implants (other than dental fillings), a pacemaker, or any other implanted medical device
you have had a serious head injury with loss of consciousness lasting more than 15 minutes
you are pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant without a negative pregnancy test

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to receive one of two types of magnetic brain stimulation or a sham treatment. Your participation will include MRI brain scans and cognitive testing (like memory and thinking tasks) before and after the stimulation sessions. The magnetic stimulation sessions are brief and non-invasive—the magnetic coil is placed against your scalp, and you remain awake during the procedure. The study will measure how your thinking and memory change, and researchers will also look at changes in your brain using MRI to understand how the treatment works.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Using magnetic stimulation to improve thinking in psychotic disorders

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations