Using brain stimulation to enhance psychotherapy for psychiatric disorders
Enhancement of a Psychotherapeutic Intervention Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
NA · Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich · NCT04096625
This study is testing if using a brain stimulation technique along with therapy can help people with psychiatric disorders feel better and improve their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Zürich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04096625 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to enhance the effects of psychotherapy in patients with psychiatric disorders. tDCS is a safe and well-tolerated neuromodulatory technique that has shown promise in reducing symptoms and improving cognitive functions in various neuropsychiatric conditions. Participants will receive either active tDCS combined with an Assertiveness Training Program or a sham tDCS treatment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving overall functionality and well-being in patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalizations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis who have experienced multiple hospitalizations in the past year.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing group psychotherapy or those with neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with psychiatric disorders by enhancing the effects of psychotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown encouraging results for tDCS in various neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants are competent to give informed consent, as determined by the referring physician or psychiatrist. * German language proficiency as a native speaker or level B1 * A psychiatric diagnosis according to ICD-10; * Three or more psychiatric hospitalizations in the past 12 months; or * A cumulative length of stay over 40 days; or * Referral for further treatment to our treatment unit. Exclusion Criteria: * Concomitant group psychotherapeutic intervention. * Current neurological disorder. * Current cardiovascular disorder. * Current respiratory disorder. * Current substance use or withdrawal. * Epilepsy.
Where this trial is running
Zürich
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich — Zürich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephan T. Egger, MD — Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Stephan T. Egger, MD
- Email: stephan.egger@puk.zh.ch
- Phone: +41523049340
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: Psychiatric Disorder, Brain Stimulation, tDCS, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Disorder