Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Schizophrenia
(ButtomVP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a brain stimulation treatment, can help people with schizophrenia better recognize facial emotions. The treatment uses gentle electrical currents applied to the scalp to enhance brain function related to processing facial emotions. Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are on medication and have no history of significant head trauma or substance abuse may be suitable for this study. Participants will receive either the active tDCS treatment or a placebo to compare outcomes. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve understanding and treatment of schizophrenia.
What prior data suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is safe for improving face emotion recognition in schizophrenia?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe for people with schizophrenia. In various studies, patients handled the treatment well. The most common side effects were mild, such as itching or tingling at the application site. No serious problems were reported in connection with tDCS.
These consistent results across different studies indicate that tDCS is not only safe but also may help improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Prospective participants might find this information reassuring regarding the treatment's safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for schizophrenia because it offers a non-invasive way to potentially improve brain function by applying a mild electrical current to specific areas of the brain. Unlike traditional antipsychotic medications, which often target dopamine and serotonin levels, tDCS focuses on modulating brain activity directly, which might reduce symptoms with fewer side effects. Additionally, the personalized, high-definition approach of tDCS allows for targeted stimulation, which could enhance its effectiveness and precision compared to broader pharmacological approaches.
What evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective for improving face emotion recognition in schizophrenia?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a technique participants in this trial may receive, can enhance thinking skills in people with schizophrenia. Studies have found that tDCS lessens negative symptoms, such as avoiding social interactions and showing little emotion. It has also improved focus and memory. Evidence suggests that tDCS can reduce auditory hallucinations, which are common in schizophrenia. Overall, tDCS appears promising as an additional treatment to help manage schizophrenia symptoms.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniel C Javitt, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Nathan Kline Institute
Antigona Martinez, PhD
Principal Investigator
Nathan Kline Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessment and physiological assessments
Treatment
Participants receive either active or sham tDCS during ERP and fMRI sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sham Stimulation
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Personalized, high-definition tDCS applied to area MT+
Sham tDCS applied over area MT+, using ramp up/ramp down to simulate active treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Columbia University
Collaborator
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.
Collaborator
Citations
Transcranial direct current stimulation and its effect on ... - PMC
Recent studies indicate that tDCS can significantly improve cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia, with effects persisting ...
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Direct Current ...
Frontotemporoparietal tDCS was an effective and safe add-on treatment for patients with schizophrenia with prominent negative symptoms. Our ...
Adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation for ...
The results showed that tDCS improved the PASAT score of schizophrenia patients, and intervention at 15 sessions or twice daily could also ...
Investigating the effects of transcranial direct current ...
This study provides preliminary evidence for an effective augmentation of cognitive training with tDCS in individuals with schizophrenia.
A meta-analysis of transcranial direct current stimulation for ...
A recent meta-analysis of 6 RCTs in schizophrenia reported a positive effect of tDCS on working memory and attention (Mervis et al., 2017). With respect to ...
Safety and Blinding of Transcranial Direct Current ...
This study confirms that tDCS is safe and well tolerated by patients with schizophrenia. The most frequent side effects are itching/tingling ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation and its effect on ...
Recent studies indicate that tDCS can significantly improve cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia, with effects persisting beyond the ...
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Direct Current ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation was effective and safe in ameliorating negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
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