Examining tDCS Effect on Cannabis Use Disorder in Patients With Schizophrenia A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Exploratory Multicentric Study
Cannabis use disorder is a frequent comorbidity of schizophrenia, associated with increased symptoms and less adherence to therapy. Validated care has limited effectiveness in this population and development of new management strategies seems necessary. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown beneficial effects in both schizophrenia, substance use disorder and, in a less extent, in nicotine addiction in schizophrenic subjects. It is interesting to test if that 10 sessions of anodal stimulation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cathodal stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) (by increasing control and modulating reward system), will reduce, in 110 schizophrenic subjects, cannabis consumption, and secondly craving, addiction severity, schizophrenic symptoms and improve global functioning. It is possible that these clinical effects will be associated with changes in certain cognitive functions and cerebral connectivity.
• Schizophrenia diagnostic according to DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorder) 5 criteria, without change in psychotropic treatment since at least 4 weeks
• Moderate to severe cannabis use disorder according to DSM 5 criteria and active consumption during the last 7 days
• Subjects motivated to reduce or quit their cannabis consumption
• Patients with ambulatory compulsory care may be included