Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation vs Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Psychopathology Measures and Neurocognition in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of transcranial Alternating current stimulation (tACS) vs. transcranial Direct current stimulation (tDCS) vs. sham stimulation in chronic schizophrenia. The main question it aims to answer is: • In comparison to tDCS, can tACS improve the clinical outcome of patients with chronic schizophrenia? Participants will be randomised into 3 groups receiving either tDCS, tACS or sham stimulation and changes in psychopathology and neuro-cognition with the interventions will be compared within and between the groups. The primary outcome measure is the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), while secondary outcome measures are the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS), Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).
• Diagnosis of Schizophrenia as per ICD-10 DCR for more than 2 years
• Moderate-severe symptoms (PANSS score \> 75 and/or CGI-SCH score\>4) \[24\]
• On stable dosing of antipsychotic medications (no changes in medication or doses for 1 month prior to enrolment)
• Both sexes; Age range: 18-60 years
• Right-handed
• Written informed consent by the patient