40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia

In schizophrenia, an abnormal reduction in neuronal gamma oscillations (30-100 Hz) is associated with negative symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction. The literature suggests that rescuing gamma oscillations through non-invasive brain stimulation may be an accessible and safe add-on strategy to mitigate negative symptoms. Here, a stimulation protocol based on gamma visual stimulation will be tested. This pilot study will follow an uncontrolled clinical trial design: A minimum of ten patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder and predominant negative symptoms will be recruited at Klinikum rechts der Isar. They will undergo a multisession stimulation protocol, consisting of one hour of 40 Hz visual stimulation per day over five consecutive days, during which they will be encouraged to fall asleep. An equal number of patients will be recruited for a treatment-as-usual group without intervention. Pre- and post-assessments will include EEG, a cognitive test battery (THINC-IT), a mood scale (PANAS), and a schizophrenia symptom scale (PANSS). This study's results will inform on the feasibility of gamma visual stimulation as a potential add-on intervention in schizophrenia.

NCT Number	NCT06907420
Lead Sponsor	Technical University of Munich
Conditions	Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia Disorders, Schizoaffective Disorder
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2025-03-14
Primary Completion	2025-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-07 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-04-02