Neuromodulation for Schizophrenia

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female inpatients or outpatients ≥ 18 years of age
• Having a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• Voluntary and capable of consenting to participation in the research study
• Fluent in English
• Moderate-to-severe lack of illness awareness ≤7 on the VAGUS-SR, which corresponds to a rating of ≥3 on PANSS G12 Insight and Judgment item
• On a stable dose of antipsychotic and other concomitant medications for at least 2 months, and unlikely to undergo changes in dose during the study

Exclusion criteria

• Unwilling or unable to consent to the study
• Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, chronic tinnitus, temporomandibular joint disease
• Had eye surgery within the previous three (3) months
• Ear surgery within 6 months prior to entering the study
• Active ear infection or perforated tympanic membrane
• Diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction
• Unstable medical illness or any concomitant major medical or neurological illness, including a history of cardiovascular disease and seizures
• Acute suicidal and/or homicidal ideation
• Formal thought disorder rating ≥4 on PANSS item P2
• DSM-V substance dependence (except caffeine and nicotine) within one month prior to entering the study
• Positive urine drug screen at the screening visit
• Metal implants or a pacemaker that would preclude the MRI scan
• Pregnancy