Effectiveness of High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Hi-tACS to Treat Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of high-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation Hi-tACS on negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia. This clinical trial aims to assess whether Hi-tACS is effective and safe, focusing on symptoms as well as cognitive function, social function, and quality of life. The study uses a randomized controlled design involving 60 patients who continue their regular medication while receiving either Hi-tACS or sham stimulation. Participants are divided into two groups an intervention group that receives continuous Hi-tACS stimulation twice daily morning and afternoon from Monday to Friday for 2 weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes, totaling 20 sessions and a control group that receives sham stimulation with only 40 seconds of current per session under the same schedule. The Hi-tACS device uses electrodes placed on the forehead and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, delivering a 77.5 Hz frequency at 15 mA current intensity. During the study, patients will be assessed at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, and again 3 months later. Measurements include changes in negative symptoms, cognitive and social functions, quality of life, and sleep, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Researchers will also evaluate social cognition, neurocognition, and EEG data as part of the outcome measures. The study lasts through these follow-ups to monitor both short-term and longer-term effects of the treatment.

Efficacy of Hi-tACS for Schizophrenia Negative Symptoms