Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as Therapeutical Strategy for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: a Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as Therapeutical Strategy for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: a Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial
The current research is aimed at using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as complementary therapeutic tool in the treatment of schizophrenia. Patients will be randomized into two groups (tDCS-active x tDCS-sham) accordingly to detailed protocol. Main outcome will be measured by specific clinical rating scales based on the assessment of negative symptoms. A total of 40 patients ought to be enrolled as specified in methodology. Secondary outcomes shall include collateral effects evaluation, anxiety and depressive scales as well as clinical monitoring.
Overview
The present study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial in which patients should be allocated from a General Psychiatry Service into two groups (tDCS-active x tDCS-sham). Subjects who fulfilled eligibility criteria will undergo ten days of consecutive stimulation (active or sham) and will return after two to four weeks for final clinical assessment. Patients who shown no response in rating scales and that were allocated to sham intervention group will be able to choose whether or not they want to undergo the active intervention at follow up (partial cross-over)
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Regarding medication: all patients should have stable dosology of medications for at least 6 weeks