TIS for Improving Cognitive Impairment Associated With Schizophrenia

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) remains a therapeutic challenge, as conventional antipsychotics and depth-limited neurostimulation (NIBS) fail to address the subcortical dysregulation that drives cognitive dysfunction. Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS) overcomes these biophysical limitations by using intersecting high-frequency electric fields to non-invasively target deep structures such as the hippocampus with great spatial accuracy. Due to its potential to enhance the synchronization between the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, TIS offers a new prospect for treating CIAS.

This single-arm, open-label trial will evaluate the efficacy of hippocampal-targeted TIS in patients with schizophrenia. Participants will undergo a 10-day intervention (twice daily) and will be assessed using clinical, cognitive (MCCB), and neuroimaging (rs-fMRI) tests at baseline and post-intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-50 years old;
• meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria;
• the diagnosis of schizophrenia is confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5);
• the disease duration does not exceed 8 years;
• 1-2 antipsychotic drugs are taken, and the treatment dose of antipsychotic drugs was stable for at least 1 week before enrollment. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and excessive benzodiazepines (lorazepam when 2 doses exceeded 2 mg/d) are not allowed;
• The type of antipsychotic drugs remains unchanged during treatment, and the dose is adjusted by no more than 25%;
• Impaired functioning in daily activities;
• The Global Deficit Score (GDS) for the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) reaches 0.5 or above;
• Agree to participate in this study and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of other psychiatric comorbidities, intellectual disability, obvious mood symptoms, or substance use disorders (other than caffeine and/or tobacco);
• with clear drug-induced extrapyramidal reaction;
• A history of seizures, meningitis, or encephalitis;
• with contraindications to transcranial electrical stimulation;
• History of intracranial tumors or surgery;
• history of severe head trauma;
• have received other regimens of electrical or magnetic therapy in 1 month before enrollment.