Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Individuals With Schizophrenia
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Schizophrenia
- Sponsor
- Johns Hopkins University
- Enrollment
- 11
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Cognitive Test Performance
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 10 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities and alter functional connectivity in individuals with Schizophrenia. In this research, a 9 volt battery is used to deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants complete cognitive tasks. Participants also receive a brain scan before and after stimulation. Our aim is to determine if tDCS can improve mental abilities in individuals with schizophrenia.
Detailed Description
Participants enrolled into this study may be asked to do the following: Grant permission for the researchers to view medical records associated with their language/cognitive difficulties Complete a questionnaire, provide a health history, and take some pencil-and-paper tests of problem-solving and memory in order to verify eligibility to participate and to able to safely undergo the experimental procedures. Complete several tasks (e.g., saying words out loud, naming objects, drawing designs, remembering lists of words, searching for images or letters, and/or completing puzzles) based upon a number of cognitive functions such as language, memory, vision, processing, and perception. Wear electrodes that will be placed on the scalp with a large rubberized band. These electrodes will administer very weak electrical current (tDCS) from a 9 volt battery for 20 to 60 minutes. Participation in several study conditions. The exact conditions and their order will be randomized. Under some conditions, participants may receive active stimulation (tDCS) and under other conditions, they may receive sham stimulation. The experimental sessions will last approximately 2 hours and participants may be asked to have more than one testing session in a day or to return for additional sessions. Have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scan.
Investigators
Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief, Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology/Therapeutic Cognitive Neuroscience Professor/Professor of Neurology and Cognitive Science
Johns Hopkins University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
- •English as a native language
Exclusion Criteria
- •appreciable deficits in hearing or vision
- •appreciable accent
- •any implanted metal device or pacemaker
- •Dementia or Mini Mental Exam below 24
- •History of Seizures
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Cognitive Test Performance
Time Frame: The average time frame is approximately 2 hours
Cognitive test performance by subjects will be evaluated upon completion of enrollment to determine if tDCS improved performance on cognitive tests.
Secondary Outcomes
- Functional Connectivity Changes Associated with tDCS(Time frame is approximately 2 hours)