Using 40 Hz visual stimulation to help with negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Effects of Multi-Session 40 Hz Visual Stimulation on Neuronal and Psychiatric Outcomes in Schizophrenia
This study is testing if 40 Hz visual stimulation can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder feel better by reducing negative symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Trial ID | NCT06907420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the effects of 40 Hz visual stimulation on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who experience predominant negative symptoms. A minimum of ten patients will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, receiving one hour of visual stimulation per day for five consecutive days while encouraged to sleep. The study will compare outcomes with a control group receiving treatment as usual, assessing cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms through various tests before and after the intervention. The aim is to explore whether this non-invasive approach can improve gamma oscillations and alleviate negative symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who primarily experience negative symptoms and are on stable medication.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those with a history of seizures, acute suicidality, or other significant psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel, non-invasive treatment option to reduce negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using visual stimulation is innovative, similar studies exploring non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in improving symptoms in various psychiatric conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medical diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20) or schizoaffective disorder (F25) Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Any history of seizures * Acute suicidality assessed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS; Brent et al., 2008) * Any other relevant axis 1 disorder * Red-green colour blindness or current ocular disease * Alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug addiction within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Munich, Bavaria
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy — Munich, Bavaria, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ulrike Vogelmann, MD — TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Study coordinator: Ulrike Vogelmann, MD
- Email: ulrike.vogelmann@mri.tum.de
- Phone: +4917661535471
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.