Direct and alternating electrical stimulation of the brain in schizophrenia disorder

Efficacy of transcranial direct and alternating stimulation of the prefrontal cortex on cognitive functions and symptoms in schizophrenic patients: A double-blind randomized clinical trial with the control group

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

IRCT

Registry ID

IRCT20210622051675N1

Enrollment

114

Registered

2021-08-30

Start date

2021-09-06

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2021-08-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

schizophrenia. Schizophrenia

Interventions

Intervention 1: First intervention group: Three conditions of tDCS (2 mA, 3 mA, and sham) are applied using an anodic electrode over the F3 and cathode electrode over the right shoulder, crosswise, in

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 50 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia based on DSM V Being 18-50 years old Required written informed consent signed by patients' guardian

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: History of neurological diseases such as seizures, strokes, or cerebrovascular diseases The existence of metal implants in the body Pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Executive function. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30 and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Working memory. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Emotional recognition. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Cognitive flexibility. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Severity of schizophrenia. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).;Depression. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).;Negative and positive affection. Timepoint: In the first phase, before and after each session. Method of measurement: Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS).;Psychotic symptoms. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales.	—

Measure

Time frame

Executive function. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30 and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Working memory. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Emotional recognition. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Cognitive flexibility. Timepoint: In the first phase, each session during stimulation, and in the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).;Severity of schizophrenia. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).;Depression. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).;Negative and positive affection. Timepoint: In the first phase, before and after each session. Method of measurement: Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS).;Psychotic symptoms. Timepoint: In the second phase, at the beginning of the study, 10, 30, and 90 days after the intervention. Method of measurement: Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales.

—

Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Contacts

Public ContactAnita Azarkolah

Ardabil University of Medical Sciences

dra.azarkolah@gmail.com+98 45 3323 2520

Outcome results

None listed

Source: IRCT (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026