Mechanisms Evaluating Striatal Systems Imaging: LIFU Effects & Outcomes

Part of paid clinical trials in San Francisco, California.

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco
Study ID: NCT07710989
Status: Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

Auditory Hallucinations
Schizophrenia

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: ALL
Age: 18 Years - 64 Years
Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Interventions

LIFU — DEVICE
MRI-guided, neuronavigated low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) delivered to the caudate target will be compared to sham unfocused sonication delivered using the same device and procedures as the active intervention but without focal ultrasound energy to the target.

Study Details

Individuals with schizophrenia often experience persistent auditory hallucinations despite treatment with antipsychotic medications. Research suggests that abnormal communication between the striatum and the auditory cortex contributes to hallucinations. This first-in-human, proof-of-concept Phase 1 study will evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effects of repeated-session low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique targeting the striatum. The study will examine whether LIFU can safely modulate brain circuits involved in hallucinations, reduce abnormal communication between the striatum and auditory cortex, and improve auditory hallucination symptoms.