Brain Stimulation to Enhance Motion Processing and Emotion Recognition in Schizophrenia Using Personalized tDCS Targeting Visual Area MT

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can improve face emotion recognition in people with schizophrenia. The study focuses on applying tDCS over the brains motion processing area area MT to address difficulties in detecting facial motion, which contribute to social cognition challenges in schizophrenia. Brain activity will be measured using fMRI and EEG while participants view moving and dynamic face stimuli, comparing effects of active versus sham stimulation. Participants include 120 individuals with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls. Those with schizophrenia will be randomly assigned to receive either active personalized, MR-guided cathodal HD-tDCS targeting area MT or sham stimulation that mimics the sensation without current flow. Each schizophrenia participant will undergo two sessions involving event-related potentials ERP and fMRI with up to 40 minutes of stimulation per session, spaced at least one week apart. Healthy controls will be assessed only at baseline. Participants will complete baseline assessments before randomization and then receive their assigned tDCS intervention during ERP and fMRI visits. Researchers will measure brain region activation related to motion and face emotion recognition, behavioral scores on motion discrimination, face emotion accuracy, and understanding mental states. The study includes comprehensive monitoring of brain responses and behavioral outcomes to evaluate the impact of tDCS over the study period ending in 2030.

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Using Tdcs of the Third (of Many) Visual Pathways