Could a gentle brain zap ease tough schizophrenia symptoms?
NCT ID NCT02744989
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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CHRU de Tours - Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire
Tours, 37044, France
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CHU de Clermont-Ferrand - Pôle de Psychiatrie B
Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
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CHU de St-Etienne - Service d'Urgences Psychiatriques
Saint-Etienne, 42055, France
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Centre Esquirol - CHU de Caen - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte,
Caen, 14033, France
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Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte
Bron, 69678, France
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Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace - Service de Psychiatrie
Monaco, 98000, Monaco
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Centre Hospitalier Saint-Anne - Service de Psychiatrie Adultes
Paris, 75014, France
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Hôpital Edouard Herriot - Service d'Urgences Psychiatriques
Lyon, 69437, France
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Hôpital Fontan - CHRU de Lille - Pôle de Psychiatrie
Lille, 59037, France
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Hôpital de la Colombière - CHU Montpellier - Service de Psychiatrie Adulte
Montpellier, 34295, France