Accelerated TMS in Psychosis

The aim of this protocol is to test the hypothesis that 'accelerated' Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is safe and efficacious in the treatment of psychotic disorders. TMS is a neuromodulation technique that utilizes magnets to alter neuronal activity non-invasively. TMS has received FDA approval as a therapeutic intervention for multiple psychiatric disorders. Historically, these FDA approved treatments have consisted of daily sessions spread out over multiple weeks. "Accelerated" TMS protocols deliver multiple TMS sessions daily over a shorter time frame (e.g., one week). Evidence from dozens of studies across multiple disorders suggests that these protocols are safe and effective.

In this protocol we will test the hypothesis that a form of TMS previously used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia is safe and effective when delivered on an accelerated schedule. Participants in this trial will receive neuronavigated intermittent theta burst TMS targeted to personalized network targets on an accelerated schedule. Our primary outcomes will be to determine if delivering TMS on this schedule is as safe and easily tolerated as it is in other disorders.

Additional outcomes measured will be to test the impact of accelerated TMS on multiple clinical and cognitive measures as well as neuroimaging markers of symptom response.