tDCS for Schizophrenia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help people with schizophrenia better understand their illness. Schizophrenia often makes it difficult for individuals to recognize their symptoms, complicating treatment. Participants will receive either real tDCS or a sham version to determine if the real treatment improves their awareness. The trial seeks individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who struggle to understand their condition despite stable medication.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance treatment options for schizophrenia.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stay on a stable dose of your current antipsychotic and other medications, so you won't need to stop taking them.
What prior data suggests that this tDCS is safe for schizophrenia?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe for people with schizophrenia. In previous studies, tDCS reduced negative symptoms, such as social withdrawal or lack of emotion, without causing major side effects.
One study found that tDCS might improve thinking skills in people with schizophrenia, and these benefits appeared to last over time. Additionally, research suggests tDCS can help with movement problems and is well-tolerated.
Overall, these studies indicate that tDCS is a safe option for people with schizophrenia, with few reports of serious issues.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for schizophrenia because it offers a non-invasive way to modulate brain activity, potentially enhancing illness awareness, which is not a primary focus of existing treatments. Unlike standard antipsychotic medications, which primarily target dopamine pathways, tDCS applies mild electrical currents to specific brain regions, possibly improving cognitive functions and awareness without the typical side effects of medication. Additionally, the quick application over just 10 days could lead to rapid improvements, a significant advantage over conventional treatments that often take weeks to show benefits.
What evidence suggests that tDCS might be an effective treatment for schizophrenia?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve thinking skills in people with schizophrenia. Studies have found that it can enhance mental abilities and boost patients' confidence in their cognitive skills. Some research suggests that tDCS might be more effective when combined with cognitive training. In this trial, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Active tDCS or Sham tDCS. However, a review found no significant difference between real and sham tDCS in reducing negative symptoms of schizophrenia. While tDCS appears promising, results are mixed, and further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for specific symptoms, such as awareness of the illness.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Philip Gerretsen, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, who have a moderate-to-severe lack of illness awareness and are on stable medication. It excludes those taking antiepileptics, with acute suicidal thoughts, pregnant women, serious medical conditions including seizure history, recent substance dependence (except caffeine/nicotine), positive drug screen, MRI contraindications or low WRAT III score.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dual hemisphere tDCS or sham stimulation daily for 10 days, with MRI scans and illness awareness assessments at baseline and after 10 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in illness awareness weekly for 4 weeks after tDCS
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Active TDCS
- Sham TDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Lead Sponsor