What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for schizophrenia include antipsychotic medications and cognitive training interventions. Antipsychotic medications, particularly atypical antipsychotics, can cause side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rigidity). Cognitive training interventions, like the computer-based brain training being studied to improve working memory, generally have fewer physical side effects but may cause mental fatigue or frustration. Overall, cognitive training is considered a safer option with minimal adverse effects compared to pharmacological treatments.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia, including first-generation antipsychotics like chlorpromazine and second-generation antipsychotics such as clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine. These medications primarily target psychotic symptoms but have limited efficacy in addressing cognitive deficits like poor working memory. While cognitive training interventions, such as the computer-based brain training being studied, are not yet FDA-approved for schizophrenia, they represent a novel approach aimed at improving cognitive functions that traditional pharmacological treatments do not adequately address.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to computer-based brain training for improving working memory in schizophrenia patients include transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and neurofeedback. tDCS involves stimulating the cortex with a weak electric current and has shown potential in enhancing cognitive functions. Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function, is also being explored for its benefits in cognitive enhancement.

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Neurofeedback for Schizophrenia

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by University of California, San Diego

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

History of seizure disorder

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up this variable will be assessed at t=0, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 4 weeks post completion of intervention

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a computer-based brain training program called Gamma Neurofeedback (G-NFB) for patients with schizophrenia. It aims to improve their memory and cognitive function by helping their brains synchronize better. If successful, it could offer a new way to treat cognitive deficits in these patients.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's not suitable for pregnant individuals, those who've changed medications in the last month, have a history of traumatic brain injury, active substance use disorders within the past month, or a seizure disorder.

What is being tested?

The study is testing a new computer-based brain training program designed to improve working memory in patients with schizophrenia. The goal is to see if this neurofeedback intervention can lead to better outcomes and quality of life.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the intervention involves non-invasive computer exercises, there are no direct physical side effects like you might expect from medication. However, participants may experience fatigue or frustration.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have a history of seizures.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ this variable will be assessed at t=0, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 4 weeks post completion of intervention

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~this variable will be assessed at t=0, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 4 weeks post completion of intervention

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and this variable will be assessed at t=0, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 4 weeks post completion of intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in Task related Gamma band response (gamma coherence and power)

Secondary study objectives

Change in Working memory

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Schizophrenia patientsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Thirty SCZ patients will receive neurofeedback to enhance gamma band response in an open-label, proof of concept study.

0 / 2Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for schizophrenia include antipsychotic medications, which primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors to reduce psychotic symptoms, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients manage symptoms and improve functioning through structured psychological interventions. Newer treatments, such as computer-based brain training, aim to enhance cognitive functions like working memory by engaging patients in targeted mental exercises. These treatments are crucial for schizophrenia patients as they address both the psychotic symptoms and the cognitive deficits that significantly impact daily functioning and long-term outcomes.