tACS for Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-50
SponsorCentral South University
About this trial
This study is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 schizophrenia patients, each receiving one active and one sham tACS session (7-day washout), targeting P3/P4 at individual alpha frequency (2mA, 30min) during a working memory task, with accuracy and reaction time as primary outcomes, alongside EEG and neurophysiological measures, to test the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized alpha-tACS on working memory.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Aged 18-50 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5).
Spatial span T-score <40 on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).
Taking 1-2 antipsychotic medications, with stable dosage for at least 1 week prior to enrollment. No use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or excessive benzodiazepines (lorazepam equivalent >2 mg/day). The type and dosage of antipsychotic medications remain unchanged during the treatment period.
Impaired functioning in daily activities.
Disqualifiers
Previously diagnosed with or comorbid any other DSM-5 mental disorder besides schizophrenia.
Presence of significant mood symptoms or substance use disorder (other than caffeine and/or tobacco).
Presence of any contraindication to transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).
Received other forms of electrical or magnetic stimulation therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- transcranial alternating current stimulation
- sham stimulation
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsSponsors and collaborators
Central South University
Lead sponsor
Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Sponsor institution
Source ClinicalTrials.gov