TES-TI for Schizophrenia

(ONSETS Trial)

This trial examines a new brain stimulation method called TES-TI (Transcranial Electrical Stimulation with Temporal Interference) to determine its effect on sleep rhythms in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and healthy adults. Researchers aim to discover if this method can boost specific brain activities during sleep that are often diminished in people with SSD. Participants will spend two nights in a sleep lab, experiencing real stimulation on one night and fake stimulation on the other, to compare results. Individuals who have had schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder for at least a year and are stable on their medications may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve sleep quality for those with SSD.

If you are taking medications that lower the seizure threshold or enhance sleep spindle activity, you may need to stop them before the study. Other medications, like certain sleep aids, are allowed if your dosage is stable. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.

Research has shown that transcranial electrical stimulation with temporal interference (TES-TI) is generally safe for people. Studies have found that this non-surgical brain stimulation method is both safe and well-tolerated. For instance, one study demonstrated that TES-TI can safely target specific brain areas, such as the hippocampus, without causing harm. Another study highlighted that this technique can effectively provide deep brain stimulation without major side effects.

Unlike the standard treatments for schizophrenia that mainly involve antipsychotic medications targeting dopamine receptors, TES-TI is unique because it uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. This method, known as Transcranial Electrical Stimulation with Temporal Interference, is designed to target specific brain regions without affecting others, potentially reducing side effects. Researchers are excited about TES-TI because it offers a new way to modulate brain activity directly and could lead to faster and more targeted improvements in symptoms.

Research has shown that transcranial electrical stimulation with temporal interference (TES-TI) can improve thinking skills in people with schizophrenia. Studies have found significant enhancements in mental abilities and a reduction in negative symptoms. Specifically, patients experienced a 41.8% increase in cognitive scores, including improved visual and verbal learning. In this trial, participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) will receive TES-TI to assess its effectiveness. TES-TI can safely reach deep brain areas and may alleviate symptoms like lack of motivation. These findings suggest that TES-TI could be a promising method to enhance brain function in schizophrenia.¹²³⁴⁵