Refractory Auditory HallucinationsNCT06802939
RTMS for Refractory Auditory Hallucinations Based on Personalized Targets Using Magnetoencephalography
A study testing rTMS in people with Refractory Auditory Hallucinations and Schizophrenia, run by Shanghai Mental Health Center at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study is an before-after study in the same patient, which enrolled 36 psychiatric patients with refractory auditory hallucinations. The target of patient intervention relies on the results of magnetoencephalography localization. The medication and dosage remain unchanged during the intervention period. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 13 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Refractory Auditory Hallucinations, Schizophrenia
- What is being tested?
- rTMS
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 5 Feb 2025to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 13 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia
- Must be able to right-handed
- Primary school education or above
- Understand and sign a written informed consent form (jointly signed by the guardian and the participant if under 18 years old)
- Existence of persistent auditory hallucinations (defined as: taking sufficient antipsychotic medication for at least 6 months, combined with 3 antipsychotic medications still ineffective, and no significant improvement in auditory hallucinations symptoms, with an AHRS score still>12)
Who cannot join
- MECT treatment within the past 3 months
- Major physical illnesses (organic lesions such as sensory and motor disorders, neurological disorders, and traumatic brain injury)
- Taboo symptoms for rTMS treatment (such as intracranial metal implants)
- Aggressive behavior and an impulse to damage equipment
- Metal (including orthodontic treatment, dental implants) and tattoos inside the body
- Claustrophobia
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, 200030
Yegang Hu, Ph.D., 86-21-5221 9305, yeganghu@126.com
About this study
This study is an before-after study in the same patient, which enrolled 36 psychiatric patients with refractory auditory hallucinations. The target of patient intervention relies on the results of magnetoencephalography localization. The medication and dosage remain unchanged during the intervention period. The investigators assume that the intervention targets for each auditory hallucination patient are individualized.
Read the detailed description
This study is divided into two parts:
- Target determination. Firstly, MEG data of the patient's resting and task states are collected, and a precise localization model using magnetoencephalography is applied to locate the precise location of the patient's abnormal signals in the brain, which is then used as the intervention target. Based on the patient's tolerance for single day intervention, the appropriate number of targets is generally 2-4. The upper limit of targets is 4.
- RTMS individualized intervention. Application of rTMS for 1Hz low-frequency intervention, with intervention parameters of 1400 sessions, 100% exercise threshold, and a total of 23 minutes per session. After each target intervention, rest for half an hour to one hour. The pseudo stimulation intervention lasted for 10 days in the first and second weeks, and the scale was evaluated after the end of the pseudo stimulation. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. 2-4 targets per day, 23 minutes per target, with 30-60 minutes between interventions for each target. After the fourth week, evaluate the scale. Follow up evaluations will be conducted on the 7th, 14th, 30th, 60th, and 90th day after intervention. By analyzing and evaluating data, explore individualized treatment plans for auditory hallucinations in clinical practice.
- Conditions
- Refractory Auditory Hallucinations, Schizophrenia
- Being tested
- rTMS
- Keywords
- auditory hallucinations, rTMS, MEG, Individualized targets
- Medical subject headings
- Hallucinations, Schizophrenia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
rTMSDevice
RTMS using pseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. Application of rTMS for 1Hz low-frequency intervention, with intervention parameters of 1400 sessions, 100% exercise threshold, and a total of 23 minutes per session. After each target intervention, rest for half an hour to one hour.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Physical intervention for before-after study in the same patient with auditory hallucinations | Other | Pseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. Receives: Device: rTMS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Reduction rate of the AHRS scale
AHRS (Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale) is a scale used to assess patients' auditory hallucinations within the past 24 hours. The minimum score of the AHRS scale is 0, indicating the absence of auditory hallucination symptoms, while the maximum score represents the most severe level of symptoms. The specific numerical values need to refer to the version of the scale being used.
Measured: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Reduction rate of the PSYRATS scale
PSYRATS(Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales) is a scale used to assess patients' auditory hallucinations within the past week. The PSYRATS scale is a semi-structured interview scale designed for assessing the multidimensional symptoms of auditory hallucinations and delusions, consisting of 17 items. The scale is scored on a 0-4 rating scale, with detailed explanations for each rating level, and is administered by trained staff to evaluate patients. Theoretically, the minimum score of the PSYRATS scale is 0 (when all items are scored 0), while the maximum score is 68 (when all items are scored 4). A higher score indicates more severe symptoms.
Measured: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
Reduction rate of the PNASS scale
PNASS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) is a scale for evaluating Psychiatric disorders. Each item is scored on a scale from 1 to 7, with 1 being the lowest score and 7 being the highest. Therefore, the minimum possible score on the PANSS is 30, and the maximum is 210. A higher score indicates more severe symptoms.
Measured: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Jan 2025
- Study start5 Feb 2025
- Primary completion10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Refractory Auditory HallucinationsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Exploratory self controlled clinical intervention trial. Pseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai Mental Health Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06802939
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MEG-AHTM-2024
- Status last verified
- Dec 2024
- First submitted
- 26 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 14 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: All research data sharing related to humans requires hospital approval.
Publications
Lynch CJ, Elbau IG, Ng TH, Wolk D, Zhu S, Ayaz A, Power JD, Zebley B, Gunning FM, Liston C. Automated optimization of TMS coil placement for personalized functional network engagement. Neuron. 2022 Oct 19;110(20):3263-3277.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.08.012. Epub 2022 Sep 15.
PubMed 36113473Cash RFH, Weigand A, Zalesky A, Siddiqi SH, Downar J, Fitzgerald PB, Fox MD. Using Brain Imaging to Improve Spatial Targeting of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Nov 15;90(10):689-700. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.05.033. Epub 2020 Jun 7.
PubMed 32800379
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- RTMS for Refractory Auditory Hallucinations Based on Personalized Targets Using Magnetoencephalography
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06802939
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MEG-AHTM-2024
- Conditions
- Refractory Auditory Hallucinations, Schizophrenia
- Keywords
- auditory hallucinations, rTMS, MEG, Individualized targets
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 31 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is an before-after study in the same patient, which enrolled 36 psychiatric patients with refractory auditory hallucinations. The target of patient intervention relies on the results of magnetoencephalography localization. The medication and dosage remain unchanged during the intervention period. The investigators assume that the intervention targets for each auditory hallucination patient are individualized.
Detailed description
This study is divided into two parts:
- Target determination. Firstly, MEG data of the patient's resting and task states are collected, and a precise localization model using magnetoencephalography is applied to locate the precise location of the patient's abnormal signals in the brain, which is then used as the intervention target. Based on the patient's tolerance for single day intervention, the appropriate number of targets is generally 2-4. The upper limit of targets is 4.
- RTMS individualized intervention. Application of rTMS for 1Hz low-frequency intervention, with intervention parameters of 1400 sessions, 100% exercise threshold, and a total of 23 minutes per session. After each target intervention, rest for half an hour to one hour. The pseudo stimulation intervention lasted for 10 days in the first and second weeks, and the scale was evaluated after the end of the pseudo stimulation. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. 2-4 targets per day, 23 minutes per target, with 30-60 minutes between interventions for each target. After the fourth week, evaluate the scale. Follow up evaluations will be conducted on the 7th, 14th, 30th, 60th, and 90th day after intervention. By analyzing and evaluating data, explore individualized treatment plans for auditory hallucinations in clinical practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Exploratory self controlled clinical intervention trial. Pseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physical intervention for before-after study in the same patient with auditory hallucinations | Other | Device: rTMSPseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 13 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia
- Must be able to right-handed
- Primary school education or above
- Understand and sign a written informed consent form (jointly signed by the guardian and the participant if under 18 years old)
- Existence of persistent auditory hallucinations (defined as: taking sufficient antipsychotic medication for at least 6 months, combined with 3 antipsychotic medications still ineffective, and no significant improvement in auditory hallucinations symptoms, with an AHRS score still>12)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- MECT treatment within the past 3 months
- Major physical illnesses (organic lesions such as sensory and motor disorders, neurological disorders, and traumatic brain injury)
- Taboo symptoms for rTMS treatment (such as intracranial metal implants)
- Aggressive behavior and an impulse to damage equipment
- Metal (including orthodontic treatment, dental implants) and tattoos inside the body
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| rTMSRTMS using pseudo stimulus intervention in weeks 1-2, for a total of 10 days. After resting for 2 weeks, enter the 3-4 weeks of real stimulation, with 5 days of intervention per week for a total of 10 days. Application of rTMS for 1Hz low-frequency intervention, with intervention parameters of 1400 sessions, 100% exercise threshold, and a total of 23 minutes per session. After each target intervention, rest for half an hour to one hour. | Device | Physical intervention for before-after study in the same patient with auditory hallucinations |
Primary outcome
Reduction rate of the AHRS scale
Time frame: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
AHRS (Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale) is a scale used to assess patients' auditory hallucinations within the past 24 hours. The minimum score of the AHRS scale is 0, indicating the absence of auditory hallucination symptoms, while the maximum score represents the most severe level of symptoms. The specific numerical values need to refer to the version of the scale being used.
2 secondary outcomes
Reduction rate of the PSYRATS scale
Time frame: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
Reduction rate of the PNASS scale
Time frame: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Feb 2025.
- Background: PubMed 36113473Lynch CJ, Elbau IG, Ng TH, Wolk D, Zhu S, Ayaz A, Power JD, Zebley B, Gunning FM, Liston C. Automated optimization of TMS coil placement for personalized functional network engagement. Neuron. 2022 Oct 19;110(20):3263-3277.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.08.012. Epub 2022 Sep 15.
- Background: PubMed 32800379Cash RFH, Weigand A, Zalesky A, Siddiqi SH, Downar J, Fitzgerald PB, Fox MD. Using Brain Imaging to Improve Spatial Targeting of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Nov 15;90(10):689-700. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.05.033. Epub 2020 Jun 7.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. All research data sharing related to humans requires hospital approval.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing rTMS in people with Refractory Auditory Hallucinations and Schizophrenia, run by Shanghai Mental Health Center at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Yegang Hu, Doctor (+86-21-52219305, yeganghu@126.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Reduction rate of the AHRS scale (time frame: From enrolment to the end of the 2-week pseudostimulation treatment. From 2 weeks rest after the end of pseudostimulation treatment to the end of 2 weeks of true stimulation treatment.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06802939, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Feb 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.