tACS for Working Memory in Schizophrenia

This study is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 schizophrenia patients, each receiving one active and one sham tACS session (7-day washout), targeting P3/P4 at individual alpha frequency (2mA, 30min) during a working memory task, with accuracy and reaction time as primary outcomes, alongside EEG and neurophysiological measures, to test the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized alpha-tACS on working memory.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18-50 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). * Spatial span T-score \2 mg/day). The type and dosage of antipsychotic medications remain unchanged during the treatment period. * Impaired functioning in daily activities. * Willing to participate in this study and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Previously diagnosed with or comorbid any other DSM-5 mental disorder besides schizophrenia. * Presence of significant mood symptoms or substance use disorder (other than caffeine and/or tobacco). * Presence of any contraindication to transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). * Received other forms of electrical or magnetic stimulation therapy within 1 month prior to enrollment. * History or current presence of any major physical illness, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury that may affect brain structure or function. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women planning to become pregnant during the study period.