Actively Recruiting
40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia
Led by Technical University of Munich · Updated on 2025-04-02
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
15 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
In schizophrenia, an abnormal reduction in neuronal gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) is associated with negative symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction. The literature suggests that rescuing gamma oscillations through non-invasive brain stimulation may be an accessible and safe add-on strategy to mitigate negative symptoms. Here, a stimulation protocol based on gamma visual stimulation will be tested. This pilot study will follow an uncontrolled clinical trial design: A minimum of ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder and predominant negative symptoms will be recruited at Klinikum rechts der Isar. They will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, consisting of one hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over five consecutive days, during which they will be encouraged to fall asleep. An equal number of patients will be recruited for a treatment-as-usual group without intervention. Pre- and post-assessments will include EEG, a cognitive test battery (THINC-IT), a mood scale (PANAS), and a schizophrenia symptom scale (PANSS). This study's results will inform on the feasibility of gamma visual stimulation as a potential add-on intervention in schizophrenia.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Medical diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20) or schizoaffective disorder (F25)
You will not qualify if you...
- Age < 18 years
- Any history of seizures
- Acute suicidality assessed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Any other relevant axis 1 disorder
- Red-green colour blindness or current ocular disease
- Alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug addiction within the last 3 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Munich, Bavaria, Germany, 81675
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
U
Ulrike Vogelmann, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here