Improving Cognition in Schizophrenia Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation
Schizophrenia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Treatment with stable doses of antipsychotic medications. For the purpose of this study stability is defined as a not more than 50% change in the dose of their antipsychotic medication 3 months preceding the screening visit.
- Age between 18 and 55 years
- Written and witnessed informed consent
- Participants must read and write in English at a level sufficient to understand and complete study-related procedures
Exclusion Criteria:
DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependence in the 6 months, current treatment with benzodiazepines or hypnotics
- Current or past skin disease
- History of a neurological disorder or a systemic illness with known neurological complications; including epilepsy
- History of seizures
- Head injury, accompanied with loss of consciousness or/and required hospitalization
- Unwillingness or inability to follow or comply with the procedures outlined in the protocol
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
tDCS arm
tDCS sham
Active stimulation: Direct current will be transferred using a pair of saline-soaked surface sponge electrodes (5x7). For anodal stimulation of the left DLPFC the anode will be placed over the site of F3, according to the 10-20 international system for electroencephalogram electrode placement. The cathode will be placed over the right supraorbital area. A constant current of 2mA will be applied for 30 minutes, which will result in current density of 0.08 mA/cm².In order to avoid side effects, as a result of electrical transient (e.g. tingling and burning sensation), the current will be ramped for 10 seconds at the beginning and end of stimulation (Nitsche et al., 2008).
Sham stimulation: During the sham stimulation a pair of saline-soaked surface sponge electrodes (5x7) will be places on the scalp For sham stimulation of the left DLPFC the anode will be placed over the site of F3, according to the 10-20 international system for electroencephalogram electrode placement. The cathode will be placed over the right supraorbital area. A constant current of 2mA will be applied for 30 seconds.In order to avoid side effects, as a result of electrical transient (e.g. tingling and burning sensation), the current will be ramped for 10 seconds at the beginning and end of stimulation (Nitsche et al., 2008).