Effects of Multi-Session 40 Hz Visual Stimulation on Neuronal and Psychiatric Outcomes in Schizophrenia

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Device
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

In schizophrenia, an abnormal reduction in neuronal gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) is associated with negative symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction. The literature suggests that rescuing gamma oscillations through non-invasive brain stimulation may be an accessible and safe add-on strategy to mitigate negative symptoms. Here, a stimulation protocol based on gamma visual stimulation will be tested. This pilot study will follow an uncontrolled clinical trial design: A minimum of ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder and predominant negative symptoms will be recruited at Klinikum rechts der Isar. They will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, consisting of one hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over five consecutive days, during which they will be encouraged to fall asleep. An equal number of patients will be recruited for a treatment-as-usual group without intervention. Pre- and post-assessments will include EEG, a cognitive test battery (THINC-IT), a mood scale (PANAS), and a schizophrenia symptom scale (PANSS). This study's results will inform on the feasibility of gamma visual stimulation as a potential add-on intervention in schizophrenia.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Medical diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20) or schizoaffective disorder (F25)

Locations
Other Locations
Germany
Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
RECRUITING
Munich
Contact Information
Primary
Ulrike Vogelmann, MD
ulrike.vogelmann@mri.tum.de
+4917661535471
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-03-14
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-07
Participants
Target number of participants: 20
Treatments
Experimental: Visual stimulation
1 hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over 5 days in addition to treatment as usual
No_intervention: TAU control
Treatment as usual only
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Technical University of Munich

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov