NCT06907420 40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia
| NCT ID | NCT06907420 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich |
| Condition | Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 20 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-03-14 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-06 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 20 participants in total. It began in 2025-03-14 with a primary completion date of 2025-06.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief 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 Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medical diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20) or schizoaffective disorder (F25) Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Any history of seizures * Acute suicidality assessed with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS; Brent et al., 2008) * Any other relevant axis 1 disorder * Red-green colour blindness or current ocular disease * Alcohol, cannabis, or illicit drug addiction within the last 3 months
Contact & Investigator
Ulrike Vogelmann, MD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06907420 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06907420 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06907420 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at ulrike.vogelmann@mri.tum.de for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06907420 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Munich, Germany.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06907420 clinical trial?
NCT06907420 is sponsored by Technical University of Munich. The principal investigator is Ulrike Vogelmann, MD at TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. The trial plans to enroll 20 participants.
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