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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia schizophrenia 1

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Nathan Kline Institute

    RECRUITING

    Orangeburg, New York, 10962, United States

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••