Using 40 Hz visual stimulation to help with negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Official title: Effects of Multi-Session 40 Hz Visual Stimulation on Neuronal and Psychiatric Outcomes in Schizophrenia
Run by Technical University of Munich · NCT06907420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2025 |
| Study ends | July 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06907420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who primarily experience negative symptoms and are on stable medication.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.