RecruitingNCT05435300

Does tDCS Change Synaptic Density in the Brains of Patients With Schizophrenia


Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Sep 17, 2021

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Summary

This study will examine changes in synaptic density with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the brains of patients with schizophrenia. Synaptic density levels will be measured using a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer \[18F\]SDM-8, which is currently the best-in-class method to quantify synaptic density in humans. This will be a companion study to a parent study by our group examining the effects of tDCS on treatment adherence in schizophrenia (REB #103-2018).


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is using a special brain scan (called an SV2A PET scan) to examine whether a brain stimulation treatment called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) changes the density of connections between brain cells (synapses) in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It is a sub-study of a larger research program. **You may be eligible if:** - You are already enrolled in the parent tDCS-adherence study - You are 18 or older with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder - You have been on a stable dose of antipsychotic medication for at least 2 months - You are capable of consenting to the research **You may NOT be eligible if:** - You are not enrolled in the parent study - You are unable or unwilling to consent - Your medical or psychiatric condition is unstable - You have conditions that prevent safe participation in the brain scanning procedure Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERPET Scan

Participants will undergo two PET scans throughout the study.


Locations(1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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NCT05435300


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