Efficacy and Safety of tACS vs tDCS in Schizophrenia
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
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).
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of Schizophrenia as per ICD-10 DCR for more than 2 years 2. Moderate-severe symptoms (PANSS score \> 75 and/or CGI-SCH score\>4) \[24\] 3. On stable dosing of antipsychotic medications (no changes in medication or doses for 1 month prior to enrolment) 4. Both sexes; Age range: 18-60 years 5. Right-handed 6. Written informed consent by the patient Exclusion Criteria: 1. Features suggestive of psychiatric emergency (for example: suicidal risk, catatonia, prolonged nutritional deprivation) or others (for example: aggression or excitement) 2. Any contraindication to tDCS procedure: Metal in the head, Implanted brain medical devices, Local lesion or injury in the scalp / head 3. Co-morbid neurological disease 4. Left Handed