Molho W, Raymond N, Reinhart RMG, Trotti R, Grover S, Keshavan M, Lizano P. Lesion network guided delta frequency neuromodulation improves cognition in patients with psychosis spectrum disorders: A pilot study.
Asian J Psychiatr 2024;
92:103887. [PMID:
38183737 DOI:
10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103887]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Transcranial electric stimulation (tES) may improve cognition in psychosis spectrum disorders. However, few studies have used novel tES approaches, such as high definition tES (HD-tES) to target specific brain circuits. Recently, the extrastriate visual cortex (V5/MT) has been causally linked to visual hallucinations through lesion network mapping and this may be a promising approach for improving cognition.
OBJECTIVE
We aim to determine if causal lesion network guided HD-tES to V5/MT improves cognitive performance as measured by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).
METHODS
A single-blind pilot study with a within-subjects crossover design was performed to characterize the effect of cathodal HD-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and 2 Hz HD-transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on cognition. Enrolled patients received 20 mins of HD-tES twice daily for 5 consecutive days applied bilaterally to V5/MT with a washout between conditions. BACS assessments were performed at baseline, day-5, and 1-month.
RESULTS
6 participants with psychosis spectrum disorder were enrolled. 6 individuals received cathodal HD-tDCS. 4 individuals received 2 Hz HD-tACS. HD-tACS resulted in significant (p < 0.1 baseline to 1-month improvements for Digit Sequencing, Verbal Fluency, and Tower of London. HD-tDCS did not result in significant improvement on any task.
CONCLUSIONS
HD-tACS targeting V5/MT may be a promising treatment to improve cognitive abilities in individuals with psychosis. By promoting delta oscillations, tACS may enhance cortico-cortico communications across brain networks to improve verbal working memory, processing speed, and executive function. Large-scale investigations are needed to replicate these results.
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