40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia

Launched by TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH · Mar 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people with schizophrenia, particularly those who experience negative symptoms like difficulty thinking clearly or feeling low. Researchers want to see if a type of brain stimulation using 40 Hz visual patterns can improve these symptoms. The study will involve at least ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who have these symptoms. Participants will receive this visual stimulation for one hour a day over five days, during which they will be encouraged to relax or fall asleep. There will also be a separate group of patients who will continue their usual treatment without the stimulation.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and have a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. However, those with a history of seizures, acute suicidal thoughts, certain other mental health conditions, or specific vision problems will not be able to participate. Before and after the stimulation sessions, researchers will assess participants' brain activity and their cognitive and emotional well-being through various tests. The findings from this study could help determine if this type of visual stimulation is a safe and helpful addition to current treatments for schizophrenia.

Gender

ALL

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