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

Conditions

• Psychopathy

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - 60 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) — DEVICE
  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) — DEVICE
  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 — DEVICE
  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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date

Jun 30, 2026

Status verified

May 2026

Primary completion

Jun 30, 2030

Completion

Aug 31, 2030

Study Design

Enrollment

60 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Arms

• Active Comparator: active dlPFC sham TPJ
  Subjects in this group will receive active continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the individually defined region of the dlPFC and sham to the TPJ.
• Active Comparator: active TPJ sham dlPFC
  Subjects in this group will receive active intermittent theta burst stimulation to the individually defined region of the TPJ and sham to the dlPFC.
• Sham Comparator: sham
  Subjects in this group will receive sham stimulation to the dlPFC and TPJ.

Primary Outcome Measure

Social Cognition Task Battery Performance [ Time Frame: within 10 minutes after the intervention. ]

Central Contacts

• Drew E Winters, PhD.
  303-724-1000
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

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