Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Effects on Early Auditory Processing in Schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulties in functioning in the community. No one really knows what factors determine how well patients manage in the real world. The purpose of this pilot study is to try a new approach to improving a potential determinant of good community functioning, namely how we process sounds. Specifically, the investigators propose to examine the benefit of combining auditory training exercises with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a new tool that is being developed as a safe and noninvasive neurostimulation method, for improving processing of sounds. Transcranial direct current stimulation involves placing a wet sponge electrode on the head and one on the arm. Electrical current from a device powered by a 9-volt battery will flow from one electrode to the other. A small portion of the current will pass through the skull and stimulate the brain. This procedure is non-invasive and painless and it results in increase or decrease of spontaneous neuronal firing in the brain. Neurons are brain cells that send electrochemical messages to each other. Its safety and beneficial effect on mental functions has been demonstrated in healthy individuals and several clinical populations. The purpose of this study is to determine if transcranial direct current stimulation added to auditory training exercises can improve how schizophrenia patients process sound.