CompletedNot Applicable

Theta tACS During Working Memory Training: A Pilot Study of the Effects on Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Taiwan36 participantsStarted 2019-08-14

Plain-language summary

In this randomized double-blind trial, we investigated whether externally induced left-hemispheric frontoparietal theta synchronization by multi-electrode online theta (6Hz) transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) would enhance the influence of a working memory training on negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Who can participate

Age range20 Years – 65 Years

SexALL

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Inclusion criteria

✓. Eligible participants aged 20-65 with DSM-V-defined schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
✓. Duration of illness \> 2 years.
✓. Being clinically stable and on an adequate therapeutic dose of antipsychotics for at least 8 weeks prior to enrolment.
✓. Agreement to participate in the study and provide the written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

✕. Having unstable medical conditions, current psychiatric comorbidity or active substance use disorder (in exception to caffeine and/or tobacco).
✕. Having a history of seizures, meningitis or encephalitis.
✕. Having contraindications for transcranial electrical stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, e.g., pacemakers, metallic or magnetic pieces in the head/brain, ear implants and other implantible brain medical devices.
✕. Having a history of intracranial neoplasms or surgery, or a history of severe head injuries or cerebrovascular diseases.
✕. Pregnancy or breastfeeding at enrollment.
✕. Skin lesions on scalp at the area of electrode application

What they're measuring

The change over time in the negative symptoms subscale score of the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (from baseline to the timepoints immediately after intervention, at one-week and one-month follow-ups).

Timeframe: Five weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04545294

SponsorTri-Service General Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-04-10

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