Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Social Cognition, Cognitive Processing, and Functional Brain Architecture
Eligible age
18–60 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
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.
Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 18-60 years.
- ✓ Elevated psychopathy as defined by the self-report psychopathy scale.
- ✓ IQ \>= 80.
- ✓ No prior diagnosis or current risk of Autism as defined by the autism spectrum quotient.
- ✓ Negative urine drug screen.
- ✓ At least 7 Days of abstinence from substance use (excluding nicotine)
- ✓ Able to provide informed consent.
- ✓ No change in psychiatric medication regimen, or medication-free, for 4 weeks before study.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ Current or lifetime DSM-5 psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.
- ✕ IQ \< 80.
- ✕ Clinically significant neurological disorder or medical illness that would make study participation unsafe, including a history of seizures or significant cardiovascular disease.
- ✕ Clinically significant abnormality identified on baseline MRI.
- ✕ Contraindication to MRI or inability to undergo MRI scanning.
- ✕ Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- ✕ History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness greater than 15 minutes.
- ✕ Diagnosis of dementia.
Where it's recruiting
Aurora
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07635940 · last updated 2026-10-08