RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

40 Hz Visual Stimulation as an Intervention in Schizophrenia

This study is exploring a new way to help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, especially those who struggle with symptoms like difficulty concentrating or feeling unmotivated. Researchers are investigating if a specific type of visual stimulation (a special light treatment) could be helpful. People taking part will have an hour of this light treatment each day for five days, and they'll be encouraged to rest or even sleep during it. Another group of patients will continue with their usual care without the light treatment. The study aims to see if this visual stimulation is a practical and safe option that could be added to current treatments. They will check brain activity, mood, and thinking skills before and after the treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Technical University of Munich

Enrolment target

Start

14 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Disorders Schizoaffective Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Sometimes, these conditions can cause 'negative symptoms,' which means things like feeling less motivated, having trouble concentrating, or finding it hard to feel pleasure. The researchers want to see if a special type of light treatment, called 40 Hz visual stimulation, could help with these symptoms.

Our brains have tiny electrical signals, like waves, called gamma oscillations. In schizophrenia, these waves sometimes don't work as they should, which might be linked to some of the negative symptoms. Scientists believe that by using this visual stimulation, they might be able to help these brain waves work better, which could then improve symptoms.

This is a small, early-stage study to see if this treatment is possible and safe. It's not a cure, but it could potentially offer an additional way to support people alongside their current treatments. The findings from this study will help decide if bigger studies should be done in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new light treatment for negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
It aims to see if the treatment helps brain activity and improves thinking skills or mood.
Participation involves daily light treatment for five days, plus some assessment appointments.
You will continue with your usual medication and treatments.
The study is a pilot, meaning it's an early step to see if the treatment is safe and worthwhile for future research.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to have received a medical diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The doctors will also check that your main difficulties are with negative symptoms, like low motivation or thinking problems.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, you need to be 18 years old or older. You also can't have a history of seizures, severe thoughts of harming yourself, or any other major mental health conditions that would make it hard to take part.

Other reasons for not being able to join include having certain eye problems (like red-green colour blindness or a current eye disease), or if you've had issues with alcohol or drug addiction in the last three months. The doctors will make sure you fit all the criteria to ensure the study is safe for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
My main issues are negative symptoms, like low motivation or trouble concentrating.
I am 18 years old or older.
I have never had seizures.
I am not currently experiencing severe thoughts of harming myself.
I have not had issues with alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs in the past three months.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be part of one of two groups. Some patients will receive the special light treatment, while others will continue with their usual care.

If you're in the group receiving the visual stimulation, you'll first have an initial appointment (Session 0) about a week before the treatment starts. During this session, you'll have some tests for your mood and thinking skills. You'll be asked to avoid coffee for three hours before this appointment and to rest a bit.

Then, for five days in a row (Monday to Friday, usually at the same time each day), you'll come in for one hour of visual stimulation. For the first session, they'll place sensors on your head to record brain activity (an EEG). During the stimulation, you'll lie down with your eyes closed, and you'll be encouraged to relax or even fall asleep. For the other four days, there won't be an EEG. Each day, they'll ask you if you've had any side effects. After the five days of stimulation, you'll have a final appointment where the mood, thinking, and brain activity tests will be repeated. Throughout the study, you'll keep taking any medication or therapy you currently receive. The total duration of active participation, including assessments and treatment, is about two weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

This is an early study, so the main benefit is helping researchers understand if this visual stimulation could be a helpful future treatment for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. You might not personally feel a direct benefit from taking part. The risks generally seem low, mostly involving potential discomfort from the light or having sensors on your head. They will ask you each day about any side effects. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'negative symptoms' in schizophrenia?

These are symptoms like feeling less motivated, having difficulty thinking clearly, or finding it hard to enjoy things, rather than symptoms like hearing voices.

What does '40 Hz visual stimulation' mean?

It's a special type of light treatment that flashes at a specific speed (40 times per second) to try and help the brain's natural electrical rhythms.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

No, you will continue with your usual medication and any other treatments you're receiving throughout the study.

Is the light treatment painful?

No, it's not expected to be painful. You'll be lying down with your eyes closed, and the aim is for you to relax or even fall asleep.

What is an EEG?

An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity in your brain using small sensors placed on your scalp. It's painless.

How to find out more

Ulrike Vogelmann, MD

ulrike.vogelmann@mri.tum.de +4917661535471 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.