Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Using Tdcs of the Third (of Many) Visual Pathways (NCT07469384) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Using Tdcs of the Third (of Many) Visual Pathways
United States120 participantsStarted 2026-02-01
Plain-language summary
This study investigates the ability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motion processing area of the brain (area MT) to improve face emotion recognition (FER) ability. tDCS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation in which low level currents are applied over the scalp to influence underlying brain function. In schizophrenia, impaired ability to detect facial motion has been shown to contribute to impaired FER, which, in turn, leads to difficulties in social cognition and poor social outcome. The study will use both fMRI and EEG to measure brain function while participants view moving dot and dynamic face stimuli. Analyses will compare changes in fMRI and EEG activity in individuals receiving active vs. sham stimulation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 55 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 subject, age 18-55
. Competent and willing to sign informed consent
. No more than moderately ill
. SCID DSM-5 diagnosis of Sz/SzAff
. WAIS IQ \>70
. Does not meet current criteria for DSM-5 defined substance abuse or dependence or have a history of diagnosis within past 6 months
. On medication within clinically approved range
. Does not meet criteria for another DSM-5 disorder other than those judged to be minor (e.g. simple phobia)
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.
1This trial uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS to target a specific visual brain region called MT+ — can you explain what that means in practice, and whether this kind of stimulation carries any risks I should know about for someone with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?
2Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, it seems more focused on understanding how the brain responds than on testing a treatment — does that mean there may be no direct therapeutic benefit for me, and is that worth factoring into my decision?
3The study measures brain activity using both fMRI and ERP tests — can you walk me through what those procedures involve and how demanding the visits might be, especially if I'm managing symptoms day-to-day?
4Given that this research is focused on a visual processing pathway, how does that connect to the symptoms I'm actually experiencing, and is my symptom profile a good match for what this trial is trying to study?
5Are there standard treatments or other studies I should consider first before looking at a research study like this one, especially since this appears to be investigational and not yet testing a specific therapy?
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
1
MT+ activation as determined using fMRI
Timeframe: Simultaneously with the administration of the active or sham tDCS intervention during study day 10
2
MT+ activation as determined using event-related potentials (ERP)
Timeframe: Simultaneously with the administration of the active or sham tDCS intervention during study day 3
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07469384
SponsorNathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
. Significant neurological illness or history of significant head trauma
. Unstable physical illness or significant auditory/visual deficits that might interfer
. Contraindication to MRI (e.g. metal implants, claustrophobia, pregnancy)
. Contraindications to tDCS including metal implant, pacemaker, history of seizure, traumatic brain injury or stroke
. Significant risk for suicide
. Has a history of an illness, disease, condition injury, or disability which, in the opinion of the principal investigator, may interfere with the completion of all study requirements per protocol, impact the quality of the data, or the validity of the study results, including unstable physical illness, significant neurological illness, significant head trauma
. Moderate or greater DSM-5 current substance use disorder, defined based on the presence of 4 or more of 11 substance use criteria within the past 12 months. In addition, individuals for whom substance use leads to not being able to perform work, home or school activities