Improving Outcome Through Improving Cognition in Severe Mental Illness: Cognitive Remediation Training Combined With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults aged 18 to 65 with severe mental illness (SMI) who face long-term challenges in daily functioning due to cognitive impairments and other disabilities. The study aims to evaluate if cognitive remediation (CR) training, which helps improve thinking and daily skills, can benefit those who need supported housing. It also explores whether combining CR training with mild brain stimulation called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can enhance these effects. Participants will receive 16 to 20 weeks of twice-weekly CR training, which focuses on learning new cognitive skills and applying them in daily life. They will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS, which delivers a small electrical current to promote brain plasticity, or sham tDCS without therapeutic effect. The active tDCS is applied for 20 minutes with specific electrode placement, while the sham procedure mimics the experience without ongoing stimulation. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments before treatment, after a 16-week waiting period, post-treatment, and six months later. These include questionnaires on daily living skills, goal achievement, social functioning, and various cognitive tests. The study also uses an app to monitor activities and may include interviews about participants' experiences. The research team will compare changes within individuals over time and between the two groups to understand the potential benefits and safety of these treatments.

Cognitive Remediation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Severe Mental Illness (SMI)