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N/A N=33 Randomized Double-blind Treatment

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Psychosis

Psychosis

Enrolled (actual)
33
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Mar 2025
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) From Baseline to Post-Training — -0.67; -1.68 z-score

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
tDCS (Device)
Age
Adult · 18+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
University of Minnesota
Primary completion
Feb 2023

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Change in Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) From Baseline to Post-Training
-0.67; -1.68
PRIMARY
Change in the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) From Baseline to Post-Training
12.67; 11
PRIMARY
Change in the D-prime Score of the N-Back Working Memory Test From Baseline to Post-Training
1.99; 1.42
SECONDARY
N-Back - Post Training 2-back Number of Hits Provided Here
39.88; 38.88
SECONDARY
N-Back - Post Training 2-back Number of False Alarms Provided Here
24.75; 49.63

Summary

The proposed pilot study is a randomized controlled study to assess effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance cognitive remediation therapy in patients with psychotic disorders. tDCS. Patients will be randomized into two arms: active tDCS vs. sham tDCS. The active tDCS will be applied at a current of 1-2 mA (milliamperes) via two saline soaked electrode sponges (3 cm x 4.5 cm) applied to the side of the head. The investigators hypothesis is that the use of tDCS will enhance the improvement seen with cognitive remediation therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
  • Are age 18-64
  • Fluent in written and spoken English
  • Have an outpatient status of at least 1 month prior to participation
  • Has been on a stable dose of psychiatric medication for at least one month prior to participation

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • Metallic cranial plates, screws, or implanted devices
  • History of craniotomy
  • History of stroke
  • History of eczema on scalp
  • Pre-existing sores or lesions at sites of tDCS electrode placement
  • Non removable facial piercings
  • Current or possibility of current pregnancy
  • Has received a clinically meaningful dose of a targeted cognitive training intervention in the last 12 months
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02085421). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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