Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Effects on Early Auditory Processing in Schizophrenia
Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Schizophrenia
In brief
Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulties in functioning in the community. No one really knows what factors determine how well patients manage in the real world. The purpose of this pilot study is to try a new approach to improving a potential determinant of good community functioning, namely how we process sounds. Specifically, the investigators propose to examine the benefit of combining auditory training exercises with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a new tool that is being developed as a safe and noninvasive neurostimulation method, for improving processing of sounds. Transcranial direct current stimulation involves placing a wet sponge electrode on the head and one on the arm. Electrical current from a device powered by a 9-volt battery will flow from one electrode to the other. A small portion of the current will pass through the skull and stimulate the brain. This procedure is non-invasive and painless and it results in increase or decrease of spontaneous neuronal firing in the brain. Neurons are brain cells that send electrochemical messages to each other. Its safety and beneficial effect on mental functions has been demonstrated in healthy individuals and several clinical populations. The purpose of this study is to determine if transcranial direct current stimulation added to auditory training exercises can improve how schizophrenia patients process sound.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT03537703
- Run by
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- People needed
- 35
- Starts
- 2018-05-20
- Expected to finish
- 2020-05-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2020-05-08
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- age 18-65 yrs
- At least 3 months since any hospitalization or substantial increase in level of care for an acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms
- At least 6 months since any behaviors suggesting any potential danger to self or others; adherence to the regular administration of an antipsychotic medication if prescribed; dose of antipsychotic medication not varying by more than 25% over the 3 months prior to study participation;
- Chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia) consistently treated and stable for at least 3 months prior to study participation;
- Ability to provide signed informed consent and to cooperate with study procedures.
- Able to understand spoken English sufficiently to comprehend testing procedures
You may not qualify if…
- History of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy within 6 months prior to study participation;
- Documented history of persistent substance use disorder within 6 months prior to study participation
- Acute medical problems
- Metallic hardware on the scalp
- Prior diagnosis of seizure or epilepsy
- Subjects requiring proxy consent or consent from a legally authorized representative (LAR)
Where it is running
- West Los Angeles VA Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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