tACS for Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Recruiting · NCT07701343 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: Central South University
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
sham stimulationtranscranial alternating current stimulation
What this trial is about
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.
Who can take part
Age range
18 Years to 50 Years
Sex
All (male and female)
Healthy volunteers
No - a diagnosis or condition is required
Phase
Not applicable (e.g. observational or device study)
Study type
Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment)
Inclusion criteria
- 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.
- Willing to participate in this study and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- 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.
- History or current presence of any major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury that may affect brain structure or function.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to become pregnant during the study period.
Where it is running
1 location listed.
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University - Changsha, Hunan, China