Testing Brain Stimulation to Help Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Tests brain stimulation with a device against sham stimulation in adults with schizophrenia.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: tACS for Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Key facts
- Where
- Changsha, ChinaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 18-50 with schizophrenia and weak working memory. They take 1-2 antipsychotic medicines at a stable dose.
- Age
- 18-50 years
- Sex
- All sexes
- Disease stage
- Schizophrenia confirmed by DSM-5 criteria and an interview (SCID-5). Spatial span T-score below 40 on the MCCB. Daily activities are impaired.
- Earlier treatment
- Taking 1-2 antipsychotic medicines, with the dose stable for at least 1 week before joining. No mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or more than 2 mg/day lorazepam equivalent. No other electrical or magnetic stimulation in the last month.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Any other mental disorder besides schizophrenia
- Significant mood symptoms or substance use disorder (other than caffeine or tobacco)
- Any contraindication to tACS
- Major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury that may affect the brain
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning pregnancy during the study
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
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 50 years old?
Source: NCT07701343, who can take part
Where in China
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangsha, ChinaContact: Jimin ZhangTaking 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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Central South University
- Trial code
- NCT07701343
- Record updated
- 28 October 2026
- Original description
This study is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 schizophrenia patients, each receiving one active and one sham tACS session (7-day washout), targeting P3/P4 at individual alpha frequency (2mA, 30min) during a working memory task, with accuracy and reaction time as primary outcomes, alongside EEG and neurophysiological measures, to test the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized alpha-tACS on working memory.Read full original descriptionShow less
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Improving Working Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia
This study is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 schizophrenia patients, each receiving one active and one sham tACS session (7-day washout), targeting P3/P4 at individual alpha frequency (2mA, 30min) during a working memory task, with accuracy and reaction time as primary outcomes, alongside EEG and neurophysiological measures, to test the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized alpha-tACS on working memory.
Inclusion: Aged 18-50 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); Spatial span T-score <40 on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB); Taking 1-2 antipsychotic medications, with stable dosage for at least 1 week prior to enrollment. No use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or excessive benzodiazepines (lorazepam equivalent >2 mg/day). The type and dosage of antipsychotic medications remain unchanged during the treatment period; Impaired functioning in daily activities; Willing to participate in this study and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion: Previously diagnosed with or comorbid any other DSM-5 mental disorder besides schizophrenia; Received other forms of electrical or magnetic stimulation therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment; Presence of significant mood symptoms or substance use disorder (other than caffeine and/or tobacco); History or current presence of any major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury that may affect brain structure or function; Presence of any contraindication to transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS); Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to become pregnant during the study period.