tDCS for Schizophrenia
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a novel study that seeks to explore the clinical and functional imaging effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on illness awareness or anosognosia in schizophrenia, arguably the most treatment-resistant manifestation of the disorder.
Research Team
Philip Gerretsen, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Eligibility Criteria
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
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
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Active TDCS
- Sham TDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Lead Sponsor