CompletedNot Applicable

Transcranial Brain Stimulation and Its Underlying Neural Mechanisms as a Novel Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations

Norway24 participantsStarted 2016-07

Plain-language summary

The present study aims to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces auditory hallucinations in patients with psychosis. In addition, the neuronal changes of tDCS will be examined.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder * Frequent auditory hallucinations (at least 5 times a week). * Patients are on a stable dose of antipsychotic medication (which can also be zero) for at least 2 weeks. * Mentally competent for informed consent. * Provided informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Metal objects in or around the head that cannot be removed (i.e. cochlear implant, surgical clips, piercing) * History of seizures, or a history of seizures in first-degree relatives. * History of eye trauma with a metal object or professional metal workers * History of brain surgery, brain infarction, head trauma, cerebrovascular accident, broken skull, brain tumour, heart disease, cardiac pacemaker. * Skin disease on the scalp on the position of the tDCS electrodes * Coercive treatment based on a judicial ruling * Pregnancy in female patients

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 Rating Scale (AHRS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline to immediately after treatment and 3 months after treatment

Hallucination Change Scale (HCS)

Timeframe: Change from Baseline to immediately after treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02769507

SponsorUniversity of Bergen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-03

Results submitted2024-09-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Psychotic Disorders trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.