Sensory Contributions to Third Visual Pathway Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: Correlation and Causation
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
Summary
This study investigates the ability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motion processing area of the brain (area MT) to improve face emotion recognition (FER) ability. tDCS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation in which low level currents are applied over the scalp to influence underlying brain function. In schizophrenia, impaired ability to detect facial motion has been shown to contribute to impaired FER, which, in turn, leads to difficulties in social cognition and poor social outcome. The study will use both fMRI and EEG to measure brain function while participants view moving dot and dynamic face stimuli. Analyses will compare changes in fMRI and EEG activity in individuals receiving active vs. sham stimulation.
Description
The studey involves a randomized, parallel group comparison of personalized, MR-guided, cathodal HD-tDCS vs. sham targeting the middle temporal motion-sensitive region (HCP MMP1.0-atlas area MT+ complex) for the reversal of physiological impairments in Sz related to motion processing and social cognitive dysfunction. RDoC constructs to be tested include face emotion recognition (FER) and Understanding Mental State (UMS), which has also been termed Theory of Mind (ToM) or mentalizing. The overall goals of the study are to determine whether tDCS applied over MT+ can ameliorate 1) motion-processi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female subject, age 18-55 2. Competent and willing to sign informed consent 3. No more than moderately ill 4. SCID DSM-5 diagnosis of Sz/SzAff 5. WAIS IQ \>70 6. Does not meet current criteria for DSM-5 defined substance abuse or dependence or have a history of diagnosis within past 6 months 7. On medication within clinically approved range 8. Does not meet criteria for another DSM-5 disorder other than those judged to be minor (e.g. simple phobia) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Significant neurological illness or history of significant head trauma 2. Unstable physica…
Interventions
- Devicetranscranial direct current stimulation
tDCS will be applied over cortical region MT+
- DeviceSham stimulation
Ramp up/ramp down to simulate scalp sensation associated with tDCS. No sustained current flow
Location
- Nathan Kline InstituteOrangeburg, New York