Plain-English translation of NCT04033679 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a non-invasive way to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain—to see if it can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder stick to their antipsychotic medication. Many people with these conditions struggle to remember to take their medications regularly, which can lead to symptom relapse. Researchers believe that stimulating certain brain regions may help improve medication adherence.
People with schizophrenia often have difficulty recognizing that they have the illness and benefit from treatment—a challenge called "lack of insight"—which is one of the biggest reasons they stop taking their medications. This trial is exploring whether non-invasive brain stimulation could address this core problem and help people stay consistent with their treatment.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You would visit the research center twice per day (morning and afternoon) for 10 business days to receive the brain stimulation treatment—either real stimulation or a sham (placebo) version that you won't know about. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. You'll also have brain imaging scans before and after the 10-day period, and researchers will track how consistently you take your antipsychotic medication by counting your pills and sometimes checking blood levels.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
Canada
Sponsor
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Enrollment target
~106 participants
Started
August 2019
Primary completion
March 2026
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Philip Gerretsen, MD, PhD
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.