rTMS as a Probe of Episodic Memory Neurocircuitry in Schizophrenia

In spite of existing work studying rTMS as a treatment modality in schizophrenia, there are no studies that have examined the effects of precuneus directed rTMS on either EM deficits or the neurocircuitry subserving EM in schizophrenia. It is also important to note that the vast majority of studies using rTMS in schizophrenia have examined chronic populations where confounds associated with prolonged duration of illness may be present. Early Phase Psychosis (EPP) is a desirable population to study because these individuals tend to have fewer psychiatric and physical comorbidities and less antipsychotic drug exposure, all of which are factors that may confound investigations of new treatment interventions for this illness. In light of the significant unmet medical need associated with schizophrenia and the grave clinical effect of disrupted EM in the illness, rTMS modulating the precuneus, and potentially EM circuitry, represents an unexplored and potentially novel potential treatment option. This study proposes to combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with inhibitory Low Frequency (LF) (1 Hz) and excitatory High Frequency (HF) (20 Hz) rTMS protocols to interrogate the effects of rTMS targeting the precuneus on: 1) precuneus activation during EM task performance; 2) functional connectivity between the precuneus and key EM circuitry, specifically the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), and hippocampus and 3) performance during an in-scanner scene encoding and recognition EM task. This study will provide vital preliminary data on target engagement informing future clinical trials seeking to utilize rTMS to treat EM impairment in schizophrenia. This is an important population for study because if effective, rTMS may represent a novel treatment for EM deficits in schizophrenia. This study will also seek to refine the understanding of the brain circuitry that mediates the potential pro-EM effects of rTMS through the use of fMRI at baseline and following the course of rTMS administration.