Could a gentle brain zap ease tough schizophrenia symptoms?

NCT ID NCT02744989

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with schizophrenia whose symptoms persist despite medication. 141 adults received either real or sham tDCS over 10 sessions. The goal was to see if active stimulation leads to a meaningful drop in symptom scores. Researchers also looked at how long any benefits might last and how the brain responds.

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 offer a drug-free add-on to help reduce stubborn schizophrenia symptoms that medication alone doesn't fully control.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage study testing a proof of concept, so results may not be strong enough to change practice. The effect may be small or not last long.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

mental disorder psychiatric disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MENTAL DISORDERS SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHRU de Tours - Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire

Tours, 37044, France
CHU de Clermont-Ferrand - Pôle de Psychiatrie B

Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
CHU de St-Etienne - Service d'Urgences Psychiatriques

Saint-Etienne, 42055, France
Centre Esquirol - CHU de Caen - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte,

Caen, 14033, France
Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte

Bron, 69678, France
Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace - Service de Psychiatrie

Monaco, 98000, Monaco
Centre Hospitalier Saint-Anne - Service de Psychiatrie Adultes

Paris, 75014, France
Hôpital Edouard Herriot - Service d'Urgences Psychiatriques

Lyon, 69437, France
Hôpital Fontan - CHRU de Lille - Pôle de Psychiatrie

Lille, 59037, France
Hôpital de la Colombière - CHU Montpellier - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte

Montpellier, 34295, France

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