New method for treating delusions in schizophrenia

An American research team is investigating a new method for managing delusional thoughts in people with schizophrenia. This method uses ultrasonic waves that can reach deep parts of the brain without surgery.

Ultrasonic waves reduce delusions in trial

A pilot study published in October 2026 in npj Acoustics showed that using acoustic stimulation through the skull reduced delusional ideas in patients. The ultrasonic waves targeted the right internal globus pallidus, a specific deep brain region, and the effects lasted at least one week.

Clinical trial with ten participants

The clinical trial included ten people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Each person received both a real ultrasound session and a placebo session at one-week intervals. They did not know which was which, following a randomized protocol to prevent bias.

Effects on delusions but not hallucinations

After ten minutes of real stimulation, the severity of delusional ideas decreased significantly on clinical scales. However, the benefits lasted at least seven days and were limited to delusional ideas. Auditory hallucinations, like hearing voices, did not improve, and no changes were seen in memory or attention.

Placebo effects limit conclusions

Some temporary worsening of delusions occurred equally often after the placebo session as after the ultrasound treatment. This means the study cannot definitively attribute the changes to the treatment itself.

Targeting deep brain areas with ultrasound

The transcranial ultrasound stimulation technique allows for precise targeting of a small area deep within the brain. This could offer a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments for schizophrenia.