tACS for working memory in schizophrenia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 inpatients with schizophrenia. Each participant receives one active and one sham tACS session targeting parietal sites at their own alpha frequency, during a working memory task, with a 7-day washout between sessions. Primary outcomes are working memory accuracy and reaction time, with EEG and neurophysiological measures collected to explore mechanisms. The trial investigates safety, feasibility, and potential cognitive benefits of personalized alpha-tACS in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-50 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5).
* Spatial span T-score \<40 on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).
* Taking 1-2 antipsychotic medications, with stable dosage for at least 1 week prior to enrollment. No use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or excessive benzodiazepines (lorazepam equivalent \>2 mg/day). The type and dosage of antipsychotic medications remain unchanged during the treatment period.
* Impaired functioning in daily activities.
* Willing to participate in this study and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously diagnosed with or comorbid any other DSM-5 mental disorder besides schizophrenia.
* Presence of significant mood symptoms or substance use disorder (other than caffeine and/or tobacco).
* Presence of any contraindication to transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).
* Received other forms of electrical or magnetic stimulation therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment.
* History or current presence of any major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury that may affect brain structure or function.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to become pregnant during the study period.

Where it's running

• The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
  Changsha, Hunan, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Renrong Wu
• Email: wurenrong@csu.edu.cn
• Phone: 15874179855

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.