Brain Stimulation for Hallucinations and Perception
A data-driven framework for mapping transcranial electrical stimulation effects on audiovisual integration and hallucinations
This project explores how gentle brain stimulation might help people who experience hallucinations and have trouble processing sights and sounds together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123895 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Hallucinations are a challenging symptom for many people with psychosis, and current treatments don't always work. This project looks at a specific brain area, the right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS), which seems to play a role in both hallucinations and how we combine what we see and hear. Researchers are using a precise, non-invasive brain stimulation method called high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to gently adjust activity in this brain region. The goal is to see if reducing activity in the rSTS can lessen hallucinations and improve how people experience reality.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals experiencing hallucinations as part of psychosis-spectrum disorders.
Not a fit: Patients whose hallucinations are not related to the specific brain network targeted by this stimulation may not benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, non-invasive treatment option to reduce distressing hallucinations and improve overall perception for individuals with psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of HD-tDCS to this brain region for hallucinations is being explored, other studies have shown that brain stimulation can influence brain activity and symptoms.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trotti, Rebekah Lyn — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Trotti, Rebekah Lyn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.