Remediation of Auditory Recognition in Schizophrenia With tDCS

This study uses an experimental procedure called transcranial direct current stimulation
(tDCS). Little is known about how tDCS affects the brain or why some people diagnosed with
schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder have trouble with certain kinds of hearing. This
study is being done to see if an experimental computer training program, when combined with
tDCS, can help people to hear better. In tDCS, a small amount of electricity is passed
through electrodes placed on the head that is able to stimulate the brain. By stimulating the
brain, the investigators believe that the functioning of the brain can be altered. This study
will test whether such stimulation of the brain, when done with computer training, can
improve hearing ability and if this improvement helps in other ways, like detecting changes
in someone's tone of voice or understanding other people's emotions better. The data being
collected aims to better understand how the brain processes sounds and how tDCS affects the
brain.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 18-55

- Primary diagnosis of Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

- English fluency

- Willing/capable to provide informed consent

- Auditory tone matching deficits

- Receiving stable doses of antipsychotic medication(s) for at least 2 weeks

- IQ>75

Exclusion Criteria:

- Serious neurological disorder or medical condition/ treatment known to affect the
brain. Neurological Disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), such as
epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, movement disorders and sensory disorders.

- Current or past history (within the last 6 months) of substance abuse or dependence
(excluding nicotine)

- Pregnancy or breastfeeding

- Taking anticholinergic medication (e.g. Cogentin, Thorazine, Clozaril, thioridazine)