Neuromodulation for Schizophrenia

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Schizophrenia

• Registration Number: NCT05580211
• Lead Sponsor: Scion NeuroStim

Brief Summary

Our proposed study employs a novel approach to determine the clinical and functional imaging effects of brainstem neuromodulation, with an investigational study device, on illness awareness in schizophrenia - a significant contributor to medication non-adherence and poor treatment outcomes, and arguably the most treatment resistant manifestation of the disorder.

The study device under investigation provides a safe and non-invasive method of brainstem stimulation that will be used in conjunction with a neuroimaging biomarker to measure brain changes associated with treatment and illness awareness.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2022-10-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-10-13
• Study First Posted: 2022-10-14
• Study Start: 2023-10-03
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-12
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-17
• Primary Completion: 2025-10-30
• Study Completion: 2026-01-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 34

Inclusion Criteria

1. Male or female inpatients or outpatients ≥ 18 years of age
2. Having a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
3. Voluntary and capable of consenting to participation in the research study
4. Fluent in English
5. Moderate-to-severe lack of illness awareness ≤7 on the VAGUS-SR, which corresponds to a rating of ≥3 on PANSS G12 Insight and Judgment item
6. On a stable dose of antipsychotic and other concomitant medications for at least 2 months, and unlikely to undergo changes in dose during the study

Exclusion Criteria

1. Unwilling or unable to consent to the study
2. Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, chronic tinnitus, temporomandibular joint disease
3. Had eye surgery within the previous three (3) months
4. Ear surgery within 6 months prior to entering the study
5. Active ear infection or perforated tympanic membrane
6. Diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction
7. Unstable medical illness or any concomitant major medical or neurological illness, including a history of cardiovascular disease and seizures
8. Acute suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
9. Formal thought disorder rating ≥4 on PANSS item P2
10. DSM-V substance dependence (except caffeine and nicotine) within one month prior to entering the study
11. Positive urine drug screen at the screening visit
12. Metal implants or a pacemaker that would preclude the MRI scan
13. Pregnancy

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Illness Awareness	4 weeks from baseline to end of treatment	functional MRI paradigm. The paradigm consists of a bank of brief questions or statements to which participants respond either "yes/agree" or "no/disagree". The brief statements are derived from four categories: general illness awareness, symptom awareness and attribution, awareness of need for treatment, and illness independent/control.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Examine changes in brain network activity	4 weeks from baseline to end of treatment	functional MRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) in response to an illness awareness task pre- and post-treatment. This will serve as a biomarker to rigorously test whether repeated treatment engages the posterior parietal area of the brain associated with illness awareness.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ontario, Canada