Using brain stimulation to reduce cannabis use in patients with schizophrenia
Examining tDCS Effect on Cannabis Use Disorder in Patients With Schizophrenia A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Exploratory Multicentric Study
This study is testing if brain stimulation can help people with schizophrenia who also use cannabis to reduce their cannabis use and improve their daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 8 sites (Bron and 7 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04871048 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on patients with schizophrenia who also have cannabis use disorder. It involves 10 sessions of brain stimulation targeting specific areas of the brain to potentially reduce cannabis consumption, cravings, and improve overall functioning. The study will compare the effects of active stimulation with a sham stimulation control group to assess the efficacy of this approach. A total of 110 participants will be involved, and the study aims to explore both clinical outcomes and changes in cognitive functions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and moderate to severe cannabis use disorder who are motivated to reduce or quit cannabis consumption.
Not a fit: Patients with other substance use disorders, current psychiatric disorders, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel treatment option for patients struggling with cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While tDCS has shown promise in treating substance use disorders and schizophrenia, this specific application is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Schizophrenia diagnostic according to DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorder) 5 criteria, without change in psychotropic treatment since at least 4 weeks * Moderate to severe cannabis use disorder according to DSM 5 criteria and active consumption during the last 7 days * Subjects motivated to reduce or quit their cannabis consumption * Patients with ambulatory compulsory care may be included Exclusion Criteria: * Other substance use disorder, excluding nicotine, according to DSM 5 criteria * Other current psychiatric disorder according to DSM 5 criteria, excluding personality disorder * Inpatient hospitalization * History of head injury, neurological disorder with cerebral consequence or severe unstable somatic disorder * Pregnancy or no contraception * Contraindications for tDCS and/or MRI (implanted material, uncontrolled epilepsy, intracranial hypertension)
Where this trial is running
Bron and 7 other locations
- CH Le Vinatier Service universitaire d'addictologie de Lyon — Bron, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Service d'Addictologie et Pathologies Duelles — Clermont-Ferrand, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand Service de Psychiatrie — Clermont-Ferrand, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire d'Addictologie CHU de Dijon — Dijon, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- CHU Pôle de Psychiatrie Neurologie et Rééducation — La Tronche, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- CH Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or service de psychiatrie — Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Centre Hospitalier Alpes Isère — Saint-Égrève, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- CHU de Saint-Etienne — Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aurelia GAY, MD — Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne
- Study coordinator: Aurelia GAY, MD
- Email: aurelia.gay@chu-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)4 77 82 88 50
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.