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Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture
Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver
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.
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture in Psychopathy
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-06
Completion Date
2030-08
Last Updated
2026-06-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
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.
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
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.
Locations (1)
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States