Using brain stimulation to reduce cannabis use in patients with 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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• CHU de Saint-Etienne
  Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France Recruiting
• 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

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

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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.