Improving hallucinations using brain stimulation
Improving Hallucinations by Targeting the Right Superior Temporal Sulcus with Electrical Stimulation
NA · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT05165654
This study is testing whether a brain stimulation technique can help people aged 18-50 who are experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05165654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on patients experiencing hallucinations, particularly focusing on auditory and visual types associated with psychotic disorders. Researchers aim to modulate brain activity in the right superior temporal sulcus (rSTS), a region linked to the development of hallucinations, using a technique called lesion network mapping to identify optimal stimulation targets. Participants will be aged 18-50 and must be actively experiencing hallucinations, while those with certain medical conditions or recent treatments will be excluded. The study seeks to provide insights into the neural mechanisms of hallucinations and evaluate the efficacy of tES as a treatment option.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-50 who are currently experiencing hallucinations and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance abuse, head injuries, or certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the severity and frequency of hallucinations in patients with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of brain stimulation techniques is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting the rSTS for hallucination treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 18-50 years of age 2. Proficient in English 3. Able to give informed consent 4. Actively experiencing hallucinations (tactile, auditory, visual, etc.) 5. Has not recently participated in tES/TMS treatments Exclusion Criteria: 1. Substance abuse or dependence (w/in past 6 months) 2. Those who are pregnant/breastfeeding 3. History of head injury with \> 15 minutes of loss of consciousness/mal sequelae 4. DSM-V intellectual disability 5. Having a non-removable ferromagnetic metal within the body (particularly in the head) 6. History of seizures
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paulo Lizano, MD, PhD — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Paulo Lizano, MD, PhD
- Email: plizano@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: (617) 754-1227
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.
Conditions: Hallucinations, Auditory, Psychosis, Transcranial Electrical Stimulation, Electroencephalography