Zapping the brain to read faces: new hope for schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT07469384
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can improve how people with schizophrenia recognize emotions in faces. Researchers will use brain scans to see if the stimulation changes activity in motion-processing areas. The goal is to understand the brain circuits involved, not yet to offer a proven treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to help people with schizophrenia better read facial emotions, improving social interactions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with only 120 participants, focused on understanding brain activity rather than proving a treatment works. The stimulation is mild and temporary, and results may not lead to a practical therapy.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Nathan Kline Institute
RECRUITINGOrangeburg, New York, 10962, United States
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