This is a prospective, randomized, interventional study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SEEG-guided deep brain stimulation (DBS) for symptom improvement in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Using stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to record brain activity, we will identify specific abnormal electrophysiological targets and signal features associated with clinical symptoms, followed by a 12-month open-label stimulation period. The study is conducted in three stages: Stage 1 consists of SEEG brain mapping, screening of intervention targets, and optimization of stimulation parameters; Stage 2 consists of DBS implantation surgery and further optimization of stimulation parameters; Stage 3 is a randomized crossover treatment phase, followed by an open-label treatment period.
This clinical trial aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of SEEG-guided target screening combined with individualized deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. The study first employs Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes as the core tool to establish a personalized, minimally invasive neuromodulation surgical framework. After SEEG electrode implantation, researchers will collect and analyze high-spatiotemporal-resolution electrophysiological data during both resting-state and task-state conditions, as well as identify characteristic electrophysiological biomarkers that correlate with clinical symptoms. Secondly, electrical stimulation is delivered through the SEEG contacts to functionally verify candidate targets in different brain regions. By stimulating specific targets and observing immediate symptomatic or physiological responses, we validate the effects on neural circuits and confirm their functional relevance prior to any permanent intervention. For targets that show preliminary efficacy, we further apply externalized chronic stimulation to continuously monitor symptom improvement and potential adverse effects. After determine the optimal targets and the intervention is confirmed to be both effective and safe, we implant a permanent brain pacemaker (DBS device). During the efficacy follow-up phase, we employ a randomized crossover design, which is then followed by an open-label period. These two stages enable thorough assessment of clinical efficacy. Meanwhile, we also collect multidimensional data (clinical symptoms, cognition, and neuroimaging) to explore the circuit mechanisms of stimulation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
Phase 1 involves the stereotactic implantation of Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes. Following implantation, comprehensive electrophysiological monitoring is conducted, including resting-state and task-state recordings, as well as acute electrical stimulation mapping. This process aims to identify the specific pathological neural circuits and electrophysiological biomarkers associated with the patient's individual psychotic symptoms.
Phase 2 involves individualized deep brain stimulation (DBS). Instead of relying solely on standardized anatomical landmarks, the DBS targets and parameters are precisely customized based on the individualized data acquired during the SEEG mapping phase.
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
RECRUITINGReduction Rate of PANSS Positive Subscale or SAPS
Positive symptoms are assessed using either the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale (P1-P7) or the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). The PANSS evaluates positive, negative, and general psychopathology symptoms (total score range: 30-210). The SAPS evaluates hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behavior, and positive formal thought disorder. For both scales, higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
Reduction Rate of Auditory Hallucinations (Assessed by PSYRATS-AH)
The severity of auditory hallucinations is assessed using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales - Auditory Hallucinations subscale (PSYRATS-AH). Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
Reduction Rate of Delusions (Assessed by PSYRATS-D)
The severity of delusions is assessed using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales - Delusions subscale (PSYRATS-D). Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
Reduction Rate of Depressive Symptoms (Assessed by HAMD)
The severity of depression is assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms. The reduction rate will be calculated based on the change in the HAMD total score from baseline to each follow-up time point.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
Reduction Rate of Anxiety Symptoms (Assessed by HAMA)
The severity of anxiety is assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA). Higher scores indicate greater severity of anxiety symptoms. The reduction rate will be calculated based on the change in the HAMA total score from baseline to each follow-up time point.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
Improvement Rate of Cognitive Function (Assessed by MoCA)
General cognitive performance is assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The MoCA total score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. Unlike symptom rating scales, the outcome here focuses on the positive percentage change (improvement rate) or absolute point increase in the MoCA total score from baseline to each follow-up time point.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-operation), 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operation.
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