None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The objective of this study is to assess to what extent cathodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) of the temporal cortex, in conjunction with anodal tDCS of the prefrontal cortex, may reduce auditory hallucinations, and induce improvements in cognition, and negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia who are concurrently maintained on antipsychotic treatment. The central hypothesis is that cognitive deficits and negative symptoms, having been linked to prefrontal cortex dysfunction, will be reduced by anodal stimulation of the prefrontal cortex via facilitation of neural function, and that cathodal stimulation of the temporal cortex will reduce auditory hallucinations through disruption of pathological over-activity.
Interventions
transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
TDCS involves the application of a mild constant electrical current of 2 mA to predefined brain regions of interest through placement of electrodes on the scalp surface. The current induces intracerebral current flow. This current flow then either increases or decreases the neuronal excitability in the specific area being stimulated based on which type of stimulation is being used: cathodal (decreases excitability), or anodal (increases excitability
transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) TDCS involves the application of a mild constant electrical current of 2 mA to predefined brain regions of interest through placement of electrodes on the scalp surface. The current induces intracerebral current flow. This current flow then either increases or decreases the neuronal excitability in the specific area being stimulated based on which type of stimulation is being used: cathodal (decreases excitability), or anodal (increases excitability). The total duration of a single session is 20 minutes. Each treatment phase will include 20 consecutive weekdays (or 4 weeks). Participants may continue for up to 12 weeks, depending on the allocation within the trial, and therapeutic responsiveness.
Sponsors
University of New South Wales
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Factorial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Patients will be included if they (1) are competent to give informed consent, as determined by the referring physician or psychiatrist, (2) have persistent symptoms despite treatment with antipsychotic medication for at least 12 months, and (3) are between 18 and 50 years of age.
Exclusion criteria
Patients will be excluded if (1) they are receiving carbamazepine since it may interfere with the effects of anodal tDCS, (2) have a history of substance abuse or dependence within the past year, (3) have a concomitant neurological disorder, or (4) they are pregnant. Patients will continue their regular medication regime for the duration of the tDCS treatment trial.
Outcome results
None listed