The Effects of Non-invasive Neuromodulation on Illness Awareness in Schizophrenia

Participation Requirements

• Sex:

  ALL

• Eligible Ages:

  18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female inpatients or outpatients ≥ 18 years of age
2. Having a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
3. Voluntary and capable of consenting to participation in the research study
4. Fluent in English
5. Moderate-to-severe lack of illness awareness ≤7 on the VAGUS-SR, which corresponds to a rating of ≥3 on PANSS G12 Insight and Judgment item)
6. On a stable dose of antipsychotic and other concomitant medications for at least 2 months, and unlikely to undergo changes in dose during the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwilling or unable to consent to the study
2. Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, chronic tinnitus, temporomandibular joint disease
3. Had eye surgery within the previous three (3) months
4. Ear surgery within 6 months prior to entering the study
5. Active ear infection or perforated tympanic membrane
6. Diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction
7. Unstable medical illness or any concomitant major medical or neurological illness, including a history of cardiovascular disease and seizures
8. Acute suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
9. Formal thought disorder rating ≥4 on PANSS item P2
10. DSM-V substance dependence (except caffeine and nicotine) within one month prior to entering the study
11. Positive urine drug screen at the screening visit
12. Metal implants or a pacemaker that would preclude the MRI scan
13. Pregnancy