RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Schizophrenia - Trial

This research study is looking at a new treatment called Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) for people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that hasn't improved with other medicines. MST uses magnetic pulses to create a brief seizure, similar to how Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) works, but without directly passing electricity through the brain. The study wants to find out if MST is as effective as the usual ECT treatment and if it has fewer side effects. We hope this could offer another option for managing these conditions, especially for those who haven't found relief with current treatments. It's a careful comparison between these two approaches to see if MST could be a good alternative.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

Start

22 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2028

Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Schizoaffective Disorder

What is this study about?

This research study is called 'Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Schizophrenia' and it's looking into a new way to help people with types of schizophrenia that haven't gotten better with regular medicines. These conditions include Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorder. Sometimes, despite trying different medications, symptoms can persist, which is why researchers are exploring other options.

The main goal of this study is to compare two treatments: Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is a recognised treatment that's been used for a while. MST is similar in that it aims to create a brief, controlled seizure in the brain to help improve symptoms, but it uses strong magnetic pulses instead of electrical currents. The researchers want to see if MST works just as well as ECT and if it might be better tolerated or have different side effects.

This is an important study because it could give doctors and patients more choices for treating difficult types of schizophrenia. If MST is found to be effective and well-tolerated, it could become another valuable tool to help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life. The study is carefully designed to get reliable results so we can understand the full picture of how MST compares to ECT.

Key takeaways

This study compares a new treatment called Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) with standard Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
It's for adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that hasn't responded to at least two other medications.
The goal is to see if MST is as effective as ECT but potentially better tolerated.
You would receive regular treatment sessions (2-3 times a week) and be regularly assessed.
Neither you nor your doctors will know which treatment you receive during the study ('blinded').
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over, and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder for at least two years. Your condition should not have improved after trying at least two different antipsychotic medications. Also, your symptoms, particularly those related to unusual thoughts or behaviours, should be at a certain level of severity. You'll also need to be considered suitable and safe to have a seizure-inducing treatment by a doctor.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had problems with drug or alcohol misuse (excluding nicotine or caffeine) in the last three months, or if you have certain serious medical issues like unstable heart conditions or some brain problems. You also can't take part if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study, or have certain metal implants in your head. The research team will carefully check all health details to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder for at least 2 years?
Has your condition not improved after trying at least two different antipsychotic medications?
Are you able to maintain your current antipsychotic medication during the study?
Do you have no serious medical conditions or metal implants in your head?
Are you not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have regular treatment sessions two to three times a week. During these sessions, you will either receive Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) or a standard type of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). The study is 'blinded', meaning neither you nor your doctors will know which treatment you are receiving until the very end of the study. You will also have regular assessments to check your symptoms and how you are feeling. These assessments will help the doctors understand if the treatment is working. You will need to continue taking your current antipsychotic medication at the same dose throughout the study. If your symptoms don't improve after 15 sessions, you may stop receiving the study treatment. The total duration of your participation will depend on your response to treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially finding a new treatment that helps improve your symptoms if other treatments haven't worked. However, like all medical treatments, there are potential risks associated with both MST and ECT, which the study doctors will explain in detail. These can include temporary side effects like headaches, memory problems, or confusion. You will have full information about these risks before you agree to take part. Remember, joining a study is always your choice, and you are free to leave the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

University of British Columbia Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST)?

MST is an experimental treatment that uses strong magnetic pulses to create a brief, controlled seizure in the brain to help with symptoms of mental health conditions.

How does MST differ from ECT?

Both aim to induce a seizure in the brain, but MST uses magnetic pulses, while ECT uses small electrical currents. The study is comparing them to see if one is better or has fewer side effects.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor your doctors will know if you are receiving MST or ECT until the entire study is finished.

How long will the treatment sessions last?

You will have treatment sessions two to three days per week. The full length of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment, but you could have up to 15 sessions.

Can I stop participating in the study at any time?

Yes, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Daniel Blumberger, MD., MSc.

daniel.blumberger@camh.ca 416-535-8501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.