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40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia
Sponsor: Technical University of Munich
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.
Official title: Effects of Multi-Session 40 Hz Visual Stimulation on Neuronal and Psychiatric Outcomes in Schizophrenia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-03-14
Completion Date
2025-07
Last Updated
2025-04-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Visual stimulation
40 Hz visual stimulation will be delivered at the same time of day over 5 consecutive days. Participants will lay down while wearing the customized sleep mask with inbuilt red LEDs flickering at 40 Hz linked to a microcontroller. Participants will be asked to keep their eyes closed and encouraged to fall asleep for the full stimulation duration of 60 minutes.
Locations (1)
Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Munich, Bavaria, Germany