Transcranial Current Stimulation as a Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Schizophrenia, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | January 2014 |
| End Date: | October 2014 |
Clinical Trial to Assess Transcranial Current Stimulation as a Treatment for Medication Refractory Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Investigating the effect of non-invasive transcranial current stimulation on auditory
hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. Normal neuronal activity is perturbed in
schizophrenia, so selective targeting of this abnormal activity could serve as a treatment
for schizophrenia and alleviate symptoms caused by abnormal neuronal activity, such as
auditory hallucinations.
hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. Normal neuronal activity is perturbed in
schizophrenia, so selective targeting of this abnormal activity could serve as a treatment
for schizophrenia and alleviate symptoms caused by abnormal neuronal activity, such as
auditory hallucinations.
AIM 1: To evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (2mA for
20min on five consecutive days) on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients using
the change in ratings on the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) by patients before
and after stimulation. We hypothesize that tDCS will modulate the abnormal neuronal activity
found in schizophrenic patients and thereby decrease their auditory hallucinations when
measured after stimulation.
AIM 2: To evaluate the long term effects of tDCS by having patients give a rating on the
AHRS after one month has passed since stimulation and comparing this value to their baseline
score and their score immediately after stimulation. We hypothesize that there will remain a
significant reduction in auditory hallucination score in participants who received tDCS at
one month.
20min on five consecutive days) on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients using
the change in ratings on the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) by patients before
and after stimulation. We hypothesize that tDCS will modulate the abnormal neuronal activity
found in schizophrenic patients and thereby decrease their auditory hallucinations when
measured after stimulation.
AIM 2: To evaluate the long term effects of tDCS by having patients give a rating on the
AHRS after one month has passed since stimulation and comparing this value to their baseline
score and their score immediately after stimulation. We hypothesize that there will remain a
significant reduction in auditory hallucination score in participants who received tDCS at
one month.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) diagnosis of schizophrenia, any
subtype, or schizoaffective disorder, with refractory auditory hallucinations.
Duration of illness >1 year.
- 18-99 years old.
- Clinically stable for at least 12 weeks, i.e. not requiring hospitalization or a
change in level of care .
- On current antipsychotic doses for approximately 4 weeks or more.
- Capacity to understand all relevant risks and potential benefits of the study
(informed consent) OR has a legal guardian who can complete consent forms on the
patients behalf
- Right handed
Exclusion Criteria:
- Subjects with a DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol or substance abuse (other than nicotine)
within the last month or a DSM-IV diagnosis of alcohol or substance dependence (other
than nicotine) within the last 6 months.
- History of significant head injury/trauma, as defined by loss of consciousness for
more than 1 hour, or recurring seizures, or requiring later cognitive rehabilitation
or causing cognitive sequelae.
- Prior brain surgery.
- Any brain devices/implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips.
- Co-morbid neurological condition (i.e. seizure disorder, brain tumor).
- Medical or neurological illness (unstable cardiac disease AIDS, malignancy, liver or
renal impairment) or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study
participation.
- Non English speakers.
- Pregnancy, nursing, or if female and fertile, unwilling to use appropriate birth
control measures during study participation
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2
sites
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Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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