CompletedPhase 1/2

Treatment of Refractory Auditory Verbal Hallucinations With tDCS in Schizophrenia

South Korea10 participantsStarted 2016-08

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to exploratively evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with schizophrenia who experience persistent auditory verbal hallucinations after adequate antipsychotics therapy for over three months.

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with schizophrenia by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) * Presence of auditory hallucination after three months' trial of antipsychotics of adequate dose * The Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia Voices Questionnaire (HPSVQ) score is at least 8 Exclusion Criteria: * Significant brain pathology including head trauma, seizure, meningitis * Intellectual disability (IQ \< 70) * Severe personality disorder * Substance use disorder (except nicotine) * Severe medical illness * Disability in the sensory organs * Pregnancy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Auditory hallucination change by changes in The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATs) Auditory hallucinations subscale score

Timeframe: approximately 2 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02451371

SponsorSeoul National University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.