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Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture

NCT07635940 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-06-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This clinical trial will examine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive form of brain stimulation, can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and brain function in adults with elevated psychopathic traits. The study will also evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering TMS in this population.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active TMS or sham (placebo-like) TMS. The study will compare outcomes between participants receiving active versus sham TMS and will evaluate changes from before to after TMS exposure.

Participants will:

* Complete a baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan.
* Receive three single-session TMS interventions.
* Complete a post-intervention MRI brain scan.
* Complete assessments of social cognition.
* Complete assessments of cognitive processing.

The primary objectives are to determine whether TMS can influence social cognition, cognitive processing, and functional brain organization and connectivity in adults with elevated psychopathic traits.

Conditions

  • Psychopathy

Interventions

DEVICE

continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS)

Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) will be delivered using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). cTBS is a patterned form of repetitive TMS designed to modulate neural activity within targeted brain networks involved in cognitive control and social cognition. Stimulation targets will be individualized using participant-specific neuroimaging data.

DEVICE

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) will be delivered using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the right temporoparietal junction (TPJ). iTBS is a patterned form of repetitive TMS designed to modulate neural activity within targeted brain networks involved in social cognition and perspective taking. Stimulation targets will be individualized using participant-specific neuroimaging data

DEVICE

Sham

Sham transcranial magnetic stimulation will be delivered using procedures designed to mimic the sensory experience of active stimulation without producing the intended neuromodulatory effects. Stimulation targets and study procedures will mirror those used in the active intervention arms.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

    collaborator NIH

  • University of Colorado, Denver

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-06-30
Primary Completion
2030-06-30
Completion
2030-08-31
FDA Device
Yes

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07635940 on ClinicalTrials.gov