Brain stimulation to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Studies of Cognition, Oscillations and GABA Levels in Schizophrenia
This study is testing if a gentle electrical current applied to the forehead can help people with schizophrenia improve their thinking skills better when they are doing tasks compared to when they are resting.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 47 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04267003 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive abilities in individuals with schizophrenia. It aims to determine if delivering a small electrical current to the forehead during cognitive tasks is more effective than during rest, and whether targeting the front of the head is more beneficial than the back. Additionally, the study will assess changes in GABA levels, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, as a result of tDCS. The goal is to find a non-invasive method to enhance cognitive functioning in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder who are stable and able to provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients currently taking clozapine or those with certain medical implants or conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia, enhancing their daily life and work performance.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise for tDCS in improving cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be able to sufficiently speak and understand English so as to be able to understand and complete cognitive tasks. * All subjects must have the ability to give valid informed consent. Inclusion Criteria for Patients with Schizophrenia Only: * Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder * No medication changes in the prior month * No medication changes anticipated in the upcoming month * Stable outpatient or partial hospital status * Normal IQ (\>70; IQ will be measured by administering the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of * Intelligence (WASI) test) * Must not be currently taking the antipsychotic clozapine Exclusion Criteria: * Pacemakers * Implanted electrical (brain and spinal) stimulators * Implanted defibrillator * Metallic implants * Skin damage or skin conditions such as eczema at the sites where electrodes will be placed * Hair styles hindering the placement of electrodes * Cranial pathologies * Head trauma * Epilepsy * Mental retardation * Any known history of neurological disorders (including epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, cerebral palsy, any DSM-5 axis I psychiatric disorder (for healthy control subjects), autism) * Uncorrected vision problems that would hinder cognitive testing (this also pertains to subjects with color blindness in tasks where discriminating colored objects/items is necessary for successful performance) * Pregnancy * Substance dependence in the past six months * Substance abuse in the past month
Where this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- Imaging Research Center — Sacramento, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Molly A Bainbridge
- Email: mebainbridge@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: (916) 734-8779
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.