Modulating brain plasticity to improve treatment response in schizophrenia patients with auditory hallucinations
Examining Neuroplasticity Modulation as Mechanistic Basis of tDCS Treatment Effects on Auditory Verbal Hallucination in Schizophrenia
This study is testing whether a brain stimulation technique can help people with schizophrenia who hear voices feel better and improve their treatment results.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, India Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bengaluru, Karnataka) |
| Trial ID | NCT04629352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on patients with schizophrenia who experience auditory verbal hallucinations. It aims to understand how tDCS can enhance neuroplasticity, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. The study employs a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design, comparing the effects of active tDCS versus sham stimulation. Participants will undergo an accelerated tDCS protocol, which involves multiple sessions over a short period, to assess changes in brain function and symptom relief.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include right-handed individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who experience clinically significant auditory verbal hallucinations.
Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric emergencies, contraindications to tDCS, or those who are left-handed may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the distressing symptoms of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is variability in existing studies on tDCS for auditory hallucinations, this study aims to systematically investigate its mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA * Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as per DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) * Clinically Significant Auditory Verbal Hallucinations * Right-handedness * Written informed consent EXCLUSION CRITERIA * Features suggestive of a psychiatric emergency * Any contraindication to tDCS procedures * Pregnancy or post-partum status * Left/Mixed Handedness
Where this trial is running
Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka — Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anushree Bose, PhD — Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Study coordinator: Anushree Bose, PhD
- Email: anushree.cp@gmail.com
- Phone: +91-8026995366
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.