CompletedNot Applicable

The Effects of tDCS on Illness Awareness in Schizophrenia

Canada32 participantsStarted 2016-08

Plain-language summary

This is a novel study that seeks to explore the clinical and functional imaging effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on illness awareness or anosognosia in schizophrenia, arguably the most treatment-resistant manifestation of the disorder.

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

. Male or female inpatients or outpatients ≥ 18 years of age
. Having a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
. Voluntary and capable of consenting to participation in the research study
. Fluent in English
. Moderate-to-severe lack of illness awareness (≥3 on PANSS G12 Insight and Judgment item)
. On a stable dose of antipsychotic and other concomitant medications, and unlikely to undergo changes in dose during the study

Exclusion criteria

. Serious unstable medical illness or any concomitant major medical or neurological illness, including a history of seizures or a first degree relative with a history of a seizure disorder
. Acute suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
. Formal thought disorder rating of over 2 on the (Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms) SAPS.
. DSM-IV substance dependence (except caffeine and nicotine) within one month prior to entering the study

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

Illness awareness

Timeframe: At baseline and weekly for 4 weeks after tDCS

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02848885

SponsorCentre for Addiction and Mental Health

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-13

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials