Neural Mechanisms of the Social Brain

NCT07457567 | Recruiting FDA Device

• 2 other identifiers: 15010151781R61MH138705-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to understand the neural mechanisms that underlie synchronization of two brains during social interactions.

Conditions

Live Face Processing in Typically Developed Participants

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Percent change in hemodynamic signals

  Statistical comparison of measures before and after stimulation. Measurement of brain oxygenation during cognitive assessment. The variable of interest will be changes in fNIRS oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals (% change from baseline) during the cognitive assessment.

  Baseline and At time of measurement, approximately one hour

• Electroencephalography (EEG) response to live face gaze

  Statistical comparison of measures before and after stimulation. EEG response to live face gaze is acquired for frequencies between 1 and 20 Hz. Oscillatory signals will be partitioned into Theta (4-8 Hz) and Alpha (8-12 Hz) frequencies for comparisons before and after TMS. Higher values indicate better score.

  At time of measurement, approximately one hour

• Eye Contact Behavior

  Statistical comparison of measures before and after stimulation (amplitude). Free viewing Eye tracking measures are detected by light reflections acquired at 120 Hz. Eye to eye contact is computationally determined by comparison of the eye tracking measures between the two partners.

  At time of measurement, approximately one hour

• Face Gaze Behavior

  Statistical comparison of measures before and after stimulation (Action Units). Facial dynamics are quantified by rapid photography and AI programs (OpenFace) that classify categories of facial expressions. There are 17 facial expressions that will be acquired during the face gaze conditions.

  At time of measurement, approximately one hour

Study Arms (2)

Sham Comparator

SHAM COMPARATOR

TMS to a non-targeted region.

Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Experimental Comparator

EXPERIMENTAL

TMS to targeted regions

Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Interventions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) DEVICE

TMS to targeted regions. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, tDCS, to targeted and sham regions.

Experimental Comparator; Sham Comparator

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Self reported typically developed adults.

You may not qualify if:

• No prior history of seizure activity. Self reported absence of recreational drugs at time of study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yale University: lead
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Yale School of Medicine

New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Magnetic Field Therapy; Therapeutics

Study Officials

• Joy Hirsch, PhD

  Yale University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Joy Hirsch, PhD

CONTACT

9174947768; joy.hirsch@yale.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 2, 2026
• First Posted: March 9, 2026
• Study Start: November 11, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2027
• Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: Upon completion of the study. The data will be available in perpetuity.
• Access Criteria: Access to the internet to access DRYAD.

Locations

US (1)