|  Overview:
This study is designed to test whether high-frequency TMS delivered
to an area near the temple, called the dorsolateral prefrontal
cortex, can improve the so-called “negative symptoms” of
schizophrenia, which include decreased thinking, difficulty concentrating,
and social withdrawal. Participation in the study consists of
sessions lasting about 45 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for
4 weeks.
Eligibility:
- Ages
18 to 55
- Diagnosis
of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder
- “Negative” symptoms, such as decreased
thinking, difficulty concentrating, and social withdrawal
- No personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy
- If on medication, must be on a stable dose of meds for 4 weeks prior to starting and limited doses of benzodiazepines
- No history of bipolar disorder, or current major depression
Benefits
to participant:
- Free clinical
evaluation by psychiatrist
- No-cost outpatient services
For
more information about participating,
or if you have questions about the study, please contact:
The Brain Behavior Clinic Coordinator
Phone:
212-543-5767
Email: BBClinic@columbia.edu
You will be asked several screening questions over the telephone to help determine if you may be eligible for the study.
Study
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Who comes to the Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory?
The TMS Lab specializes in treating adults who suffer from various types of psychiatric disorders,
including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our patients are diverse, ranging in age from 18-55. We offer new and
innovative treatments for all people, particularly for those whom previous treatments have not been effective.
2. What can I expect during my first visit to the clinic?
The first consultation involves a comprehensive interview with
an experienced psychiatrist and social worker. In addition,
it may be necessary to perform a simple blood test or physical
examination so that we can accurately diagnose your illness
and other medical conditions. Upon completing the evaluation,
your doctor will discuss with you the diagnosis of your illness,
along with recommendations for treatment.
3. What is Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation?
The TMS lab is a leader in research on this potential, new treatment
for psychiatric disorders. TMS is a non-invasive means of stimulating
the brain using magnetic fields. TMS is administered by holding
a magnetic coil on the head. The coil is about the size of a
ping-pong paddle. This coil generates a strong but brief magnetic
field. The field enters the brain, where it stimulates the brain
cells, or neurons. If the coil is held over the area of the brain
that causes movement, the TMS will cause a twitch in the muscle
whose brain representation we are focusing on. It is not currently
approved by the Federal Drug Administration and is only available
in the context of approved research studies.
4. What does the treatment entail?
What is the level of commitment required?
If eligible for one of our studies, you will have a physical
exam, a routine blood work-up and an electrocardiogram (ECG)
prior to beginning treatment. Routine visits to the clinic allow
us to closely monitor you, providing optimal clinical care. During
each visit you will meet with your doctor and social worker to
discuss your progress and the effectiveness of the treatment.
The treatment entails a 4-week period of daily weekday
(M-F) visits to the clinic on an outpatient basis.
5. What is the cost of treatment?
There is none. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Laboratory is supported by private and public funding and all
evaluation
services are provided at no cost to the patient. In addition,
for those patients who are eligible for our studies, treatment
is available at no cost. This includes all doctor’s visits,
routine lab work, any research treatment administered, and
inpatient stay if required as part of the study.
6. FDA approval?
Since we specialize in innovative treatment, many of the treatments
that we study are not yet FDA-approved. All of our research
studies, however, are conducted with approval of the NYSPI
Investigational Review Board (research ethics committee).
For more information:
To learn more about our free treatment programs for depression, or
to schedule an evaluation appointment, please call our clinic coordinator at (212) 543-5767 or e-mail us at BBClinic@columbia.edu.
Basic Information:
Director:
Sarah H. Lisanby, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons,
Director, Brain Stimulation and Neuromodulation Division
(http://www.dr_lisanby.yourmd.com)
212-543-5558
Address:
Brain Behavior Clinic.
New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), Unit 21
1051 Riverside Drive, Room 1501
New York, NY 10032
Phone:
For appointments, call (212) 543-5767.
Clinic Hours:
Tuesdays, 1-5 pm; by appointment only
Thursdays, 9:00AM-12:00PM; by appointment only
Email:
depression@columbia.edu or BBClinic@columbia.edu
Website:
http://nypisys.cpmc.columbia.edu/Depression/NToDep.htm
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