Improving Neurocognitive Deficits and Function in Schizophrenia With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Inclusion Criteria

• SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders) confirmed diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
• Stable medication regimen (no change in dose or agents within the 2 weeks prior to study entry and throughout the duration of the study)
• Stable social environment and housing to enable regular attendance at clinic visits
• Ability to undergo cognitive testing, EEG scans and rTMS
• IQ (intelligence quotient) > 80 (WASI full scale score)
• In general good medical health
• Is in treatment with a psychiatrist and/or primary care physician within the VHA (Veteran's Health Administration) system

Exclusion Criteria

• Pregnant or lactating female
• History of prior adverse reaction to TMS
• On medications known to significantly lower seizure threshold, e.g.:
• clozapine
• chlorpromazine
• clomipramine
• History of seizures or conditions known to substantially increase risk for seizures
• Implants or medical devices incompatible with TMS
• Acute or unstable chronic illness that would affect participation or compliance with study procedures, e.g.:
• unstable angina
• Substance abuse/dependence (not including caffeine or nicotine) within one-month period prior to study entry or during study participation
• Unstable psychiatric symptoms that precludes consistent participation in the study, e.g.:
• active current suicidal intent or plan
• severe psychosis
• History of loss of consciousness greater than 15 minutes due to head injury.
• Participation in another concurrent clinical trial
• Patients with prior exposure to rTMS
• Have a mass lesion, cerebral infarct or other active central nervous system disease, or history of traumatic brain injury