tDCS Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations and Thinking Problems in Schizophrenia

The unique contribution of different brain regions to category learning remains unclear and represents a critical gap in our current knowledge base. Knowledge of the contribution of these brain regions is beneficial to the development of therapy to treat this and other cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Reversal of this impairment may also lead to improvement of daily function and independent living in these patients thus reducing the burden to society.


We are recruiting participants with schizophrenia to take part in a study of the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) upon thinking and the symptoms that occur with schizophrenia. tDCS produces a weak direct electrical current to stimulate areas of the brain. We hope to learn how tDCS may be used to improve the problems with thinking and reduce the symptoms typically present in people with schizophrenia.

If you decide to participate and you are a person with schizophrenia, you will be invited to receive a 4 week treatment, which can be extended to a total of 8 to 12 weeks. A week of treatment consists of 5 consecutive work days, with one 20 minute tDCS session on each day.

Your participation in this study may have associated expenses. Reimbursement will be provided for out-of-pocket expenses such as travel to the centre, which will amount to $60 for the full neuropsychological and psychiatric assessments at the start and end of treatment, $40 dollars for the brief interim assessment after 2 weeks of treatment, and $10 for each tDCS treatment session.

If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact:


Dr. Ans Vercammen at 02 9399 1858, email: a.vercammen@neura.edu.au

or

Dr. Thomas Weickert at 02 9399 1130, email: t.weickert@unsw.edu.au

Either will be more than willing to help you!


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