Two Types of Brain Stimulation for Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Tests HD-tDCS combined with iTBS in adults with schizophrenia's negative symptoms.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Combining HD-tDCS and iTBS in Treating Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Taipei, TaiwanSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07680959, who can take part
Where in Taiwan
- Tri-Service General HospitalTaipei, TaiwanNo longer taking part
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
- Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH)
- Trial code
- NCT07680959
- Record updated
- 9 July 2026
- Original description
Dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is central to the persistence of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Both HD-tDCS and iTBS targeting the left DLPFC have shown therapeutic benefit. This trial will test the hypothesis that combining HD-tDCS with iTBS yields additive efficacy.Read full original descriptionShow less
The Efficacy of Combined HD-tDCS and iTBS in Treating Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is central to the persistence of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Both HD-tDCS and iTBS targeting the left DLPFC have shown therapeutic benefit. This trial will test the hypothesis that combining HD-tDCS with iTBS yields additive efficacy.
Inclusion: Subjects diagnosed with DSM-5 schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder; With a clinical presentation characterized by predominant negative symptoms, as determined by psychiatric assessment and a score of at least 20 on the Negative Symptoms Subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); Stable positive and negative symptoms for at least 4 weeks, as documented in medical records and confirmed by clinical judgment and psychiatric interview.
Exclusion: Patients receiving medications that significantly change the seizure threshold; Unstable medical conditions; Current psychiatric comorbidity or active substance use disorder (except for tobacco use disorders); History of meningitis, encephalitis, seizures, intracranial neoplasms or surgery, severe head injury or cerebrovascular disease, or a family history of seizures; rTMS or tDCS treatment within the past 6 months as well as a history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); A history of suicidal behavior within the past 6 months, or symptom worsening and emergence of suicidal ideation during the screening period; Contraindications for MRI, tDCS or rTMS; Pregnancy or breastfeeding at the time of enrollment; Any skin lesion at the stimulation sites.