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
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, ChinaTaking 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
- 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.