Schizophrenia TreAtment With electRic Transcranial Stimulation

Treatment of Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): A Randomized, Double-blinded, Sham-controlled, Clinical Trial

The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The proposed design is a clinical trial, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants will receive ten sessions of active or sham stimulation in five consecutive days. 100 patients will be randomized into two groups (active tDCS vs sham tDCS) and will be assessed after the intervention: 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks after. As objectives, the investigators expect to see a clinical improvement of negative symptoms through scales PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), Calgary, Auditory verbal hallucinations, SANS (Skills for Assessment of Negative Symptoms), and expect improvement on computerized cognitive tests. Another goal is to see improvement in biological markers related to schizophrenia, plasma and DNA will be stored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-IV criteria and confirmed by the SCID
• Minimum score of 20 points in the sum of negative PANSS
• Stable antipsychotic medications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable medical illness
• Uncontrolled pretreatment with rTMS or tDCS
• At least six months without being in ECT
• Benzodiazepines in doses of 10mg of diazepam
• Electronic or metal implants in the cephalic segment.
• Other mental disorders and dependence of substances