Non-Invasive Direct Current Stimulation for Cognition in Schizophrenia (NCT02739347) | Clinical Trial Compass
TerminatedNot Applicable
Non-Invasive Direct Current Stimulation for Cognition in Schizophrenia
Stopped: Unable to recruit successfully
United States17 participantsStarted 2016-05
Plain-language summary
This study proposes to assess the effect of trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive control, working memory, functional, clinical, and cognitive outcomes in schizophrenia patients.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
Early course psychosis:
* DSM-V diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder.
* ages 18-50 years
* on stable doses of medication for at least one month
* not taking benzodiazepines or mood stabilizers.
* Mild to severe cognitive impairment in MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (composite scores \< 40)
Chronic psychosis:
Same as early course psychosis but \>5 years of antipsychotic treatment
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Version V (DSM-V) diagnosis of mental retardation
* significant head injury
* medical illness affecting brain function or structure
* pregnancy or postpartum (\<6 weeks after delivery or miscarriage)
* significant neurologic disorder (e.g seizure disorder)
* inability to provide informed consent
* significant color blindness that affects task performance
* Comorbidity for DSM-V substance abuse disorder within the past one month
* Temporal relation between illness onset and head injury
* Taking benzodiazepines or mood stabilizers (lithium allowed)
* Positive drug screen (excluding THC at baseline)
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.