Brain zaps show promise for silencing hallucinations
NCT ID NCT02769507
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can reduce auditory hallucinations in people with psychotic disorders. Twenty-four participants received the stimulation while researchers measured changes in hallucination severity and brain activity. The goal was to see if this safe, drug-free approach could offer relief for a distressing symptom.
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) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment to ease auditory hallucinations in people with psychosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 24 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be modest or not last.
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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
-
University of Bergen
Bergen, Hordaland, 5009, Norway
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