This study is exploring if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help improve how people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder recognize emotions from faces. tDCS involves applying a very low electrical current to the scalp over a specific brain area (MT+) that processes motion. Researchers believe that difficulties in seeing motion contribute to problems with recognizing emotions, which can affect social interactions. The study will compare tDCS to a sham (inactive) stimulation. Success will be measured by changes in brain activity (detected using fMRI and ERP) in the MT+ area and improvements in emotion recognition and understanding social cues. The study aims to enroll 120 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, aged 18-55, who are not severely ill and have an IQ above 70. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design

This is an interventional study with a randomized, parallel group design, comparing active tDCS to sham stimulation. It plans to enroll 120 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

What's involved

Participants will undergo baseline assessments and physiological evaluations. They will receive either active or sham tDCS, with brain activity measured during these sessions on study days 3 and 10.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Brain activity will be measured during the intervention on study days 3 and 10. The record does not specify follow-up beyond this.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.