Tests 40 Hz visual light stimulation in people with schizophrenia
Tests flickering 40 Hz light as a device treatment in adults with schizophrenia.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: 40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Munich, GermanySee the site
Where in Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyMunich, GermanyTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Technical University of Munich
- Trial code
- NCT06907420
- Record updated
- 2 April 2025
- Original description
In schizophrenia, an abnormal reduction in neuronal gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) is associated with negative symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction. The literature suggests that rescuing gamma oscillations through non-invasive brain stimulation may be an accessible and safe add-on strategy to mitigate negative symptoms. Here, a stimulation protocol based on gamma visual stimulation will be tested. This pilot study will follow an uncontrolled clinical trial design: A minimum of ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder and predominant negative symptoms will be recruited at Klinikum rechts der Isar. They will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, consisting of one hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over five consecutive days, during which they will be encouraged to fall asleep. An equal number of patients will be recruited for a treatment-as-usual group without intervention. Pre- and post-assessments will include EEG, a cognitive test battery (THINC-IT), a mood scale (PANAS), and a schizophrenia symptom scale (PANSS). This study's results will inform on the feasibility of gamma visual stimulation as a potential add-on intervention in schizophrenia.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Multi-Session 40 Hz Visual Stimulation on Neuronal and Psychiatric Outcomes in Schizophrenia
In schizophrenia, an abnormal reduction in neuronal gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) is associated with negative symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction. The literature suggests that rescuing gamma oscillations through non-invasive brain stimulation may be an accessible and safe add-on strategy to mitigate negative symptoms. Here, a stimulation protocol based on gamma visual stimulation will be tested. This pilot study will follow an uncontrolled clinical trial design: A minimum of ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder and predominant negative symptoms will be recruited at Klinikum rechts der Isar. They will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, consisting of one hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over five consecutive days, during which they will be encouraged to fall asleep. An equal number of patients will be recruited for a treatment-as-usual group without intervention. Pre- and post-assessments will include EEG, a cognitive test battery (THINC-IT), a mood scale (PANAS), and a schizophrenia symptom scale (PANSS). This study's results will inform on the feasibility of gamma visual stimulation as a potential add-on intervention in schizophrenia.
Inclusion: Medical diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20) or schizoaffective disorder (F25).
Exclusion: Alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug addiction within the last 3 months; Any history of seizures; Any other relevant axis 1 disorder; Red-green colour blindness or current ocular disease; Age < 18 years; Acute suicidality assessed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS; Brent et al., 2008).