tDCS and Executive Function Training for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are the most persistent, debilitating, and economically burdensome mental illnesses worldwide. Cognitive remediation (CR) is a psychological intervention based on principles of learning and neuroplasticity to improve cognitive abilities. The investigators previously developed a novel CR intervention specifically targeting executive functions and aimed here to enhance its effect on functioning by combining it with Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCs). The primary goal is to determine whether receiving tDCS prior to CR improves one's ability to engage in cognitive activities and enhance cognitive abilities. To do so, 40 participants will be recruited with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders from Ontario Shores inpatient units, half of whom will receive real tDCS and half will receive sham tDCS, whereas all will receive CR. This study will provide important information on whether the outcome of training executive function can be further enhanced with non-invasive brain stimulation.