Brain stimulation for hearing voices that don't respond to medication

Plain-English translation of NCT06802939 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure — to treat persistent auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) in people with schizophrenia. Before treatment begins, researchers use a special brain-imaging scan to identify the exact brain regions causing your hallucinations, so the stimulation can be personalized just for you. Then you'll receive this treatment over several weeks to see if it reduces or stops the voices.

Many people with schizophrenia continue to hear voices even after taking multiple antipsychotic medications. This trial is exploring whether personalized brain stimulation — targeted to each person's unique brain patterns — might help those for whom current medications aren't working well enough.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia
you are right-handed
you have at least a primary school education
you have been hearing persistent voices despite taking antipsychotic medications for at least 6 months, and at least 3 different medications have not helped significantly
you are able to understand and sign an informed consent form (or have a guardian who can sign with you if you are under 18)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in the past 3 months
you have major physical illnesses, neurological disorders, or a history of traumatic brain injury
you have metal implants in your body (including dental implants, orthodontic braces, or metal from a previous surgery or injury), or you have tattoos containing metal
you have claustrophobia or severe anxiety in enclosed spaces
you have a history of aggressive behavior or impulses to damage equipment

What participation looks like

First, you'll undergo a specialized brain scan (magnetoencephalography) while resting and during a task to map where your hallucinations originate. Then you'll receive two weeks of sham (fake) stimulation to establish a baseline. After a two-week rest, you'll receive real brain stimulation treatment for two weeks (5 days per week), targeting 2 to 4 brain locations per day, with each session lasting about 23 minutes. After that, you'll return for follow-up evaluations at 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days to track your progress.

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

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai