Deep rTMS Modulating Insula Synaptic Density and Smoking Behavior in Schizophrenia
Purpose of the study: Evaluate the effect of deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep rTMS; hereafter abbreviated as dTMS) on synaptic density measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and the radiotracer \[11C\]UCB-J. The investigators also seek to link plasticity changes in the regions targeted by the electric field (especially, the insula) to changes in the functioning of insula circuits and behavioral cigarette usage in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). Importance of the study: This is the first study designed to directly evaluate the mechanism of action (MOA) of dTMS for smoking disruption in patients with SCZ. Patients with SCZ are a vulnerable population in high, immediate need of new smoking therapeutics for reducing premature morbidity and mortality.
• Ages 18-60
• DSM-5 criteria for schizophreniform, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).
• DSM-5 diagnosis of nicotine use disorder with current daily smoking, and a desire to cut down or quit.
• Negative urine toxicology (other than cannabis) maintained throughout study participation
• Fluent English Speaker
• Capacity for informed consent