Northeast Normal University

The semantic processing deficit stands as a central feature of cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia. Both transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and retrieval practice have been demonstrated as external techniques capable of ameliorating the semantic processing deficit in individuals with schizophrenia. The inquiry examines whether the combined effect of tES and retrieval practice, following tES intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) in patients with schizophrenia, contributes to the preservation of semantic memory in these individuals.
Investigators plan to recruit 60 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from hospitals. Treatment is administered by two examiners, each patient receives transcranial electrical stimulation（2mA×20min） with simultaneous learning of word lists. Each participant of each stimulation type was involved in both learning conditions, meaning that all participants completed both retrieval and restudy learning and testing Subsequently, Investigators observed their immediate and delayed memory performance through tests.

Temporal order memory deficits are a central feature of cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contributes to the extraction of temporal contextual information. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and interim testing have been shown to be external techniques that can improve temporal order memory deficits in schizophrenia patients. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can also improve cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia. This study intends to investigate the learning effects of temporal order memory under two learning strategies during tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) interventions in patients with schizophrenia, to investigate whether it can promote the retention of temporal order memory in patients, and to compare the differences in the effects of the two intervention modalities.
This study was planned to recruit 75 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from the hospital.
A single online tDCS (2 mA × 20 min) and tACS (1.5 mA × 20 min, theta rhythm) intervention was conducted during which participants performed a temporal-sequence memory task for visual pictures, and test scores were compared for each stimulus type on an intermediate test and repetition of the two strategies of learning.

Exploring The Metacognitive Beliefs in OCD: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Metacognitive Therapy Introduction Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms cause significant distress and impair daily functioning. OCD can be difficult to treat, and relapse rates are high even after conventional treatments. This study evaluates whether Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is more effective than Treatment as Usual (TAU) in reducing OCD symptoms and improving overall well-being. The study explores how MCT, which targets metacognitive beliefs (thoughts about thoughts), can help manage symptoms more effectively than standard treatments.
Study Goal and Research Question
The primary goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The key research question is:
Does Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) reduce OCD symptoms more effectively than Treatment as Usual (TAU)? Study Design
This study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), which means participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups:
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT): Participants in this group receive a 12-session therapy program that focuses on addressing harmful metacognitive beliefs, such as the need to control thoughts and the belief that thoughts can cause harm.
Treatment as Usual (TAU): Participants in this group receive the standard treatment for OCD, which may include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and/or medication.
Who Can Participate? Adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with OCD are eligible to participate in the study. To be eligible, participants must have moderate to severe OCD symptoms, measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Individuals with severe mental health conditions other than OCD, such as psychosis or substance use disorders, are excluded from participation. Participants must also be able to attend therapy sessions and complete the necessary assessments throughout the study.
How the Study Was Conducted Randomization: Participants were randomly assigned to either the MCT group or the TAU group.
MCT Group: Participants in the MCT group attended 12 therapy sessions, which focused on changing metacognitive beliefs that contribute to OCD symptoms.
TAU Group: Participants in the TAU group received standard treatment for OCD, which may have included a combination of therapy and medications.
Assessments: Participants were assessed at three time points: before treatment (pre-treatment), immediately after treatment (post-treatment), and six months after treatment (follow-up). These assessments measured changes in OCD symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, and overall quality of life.
Study Procedures and Timeline Pre-Treatment Assessment: Participants completed initial assessments to measure their OCD symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, and quality of life.
Therapy Sessions: Participants in both groups attended their respective therapy sessions (12 sessions for MCT, standard sessions for TAU).
Post-Treatment and Follow-Up Assessments: After the therapy ended, participants completed post-treatment assessments. Six months later, they participated in a follow-up assessment to measure the long-term effectiveness of the treatment.
Important Information for Participants Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is designed to help people change the way they think about their thoughts, addressing beliefs such as the need to control thoughts or the belief that having certain thoughts can cause harm.
Treatment as Usual (TAU) is the standard treatment for OCD, which may include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy or medication management.
Participants in this study can withdraw at any time, and their decision will not affect their treatment or relationship with their healthcare provider.
Expected Benefits If MCT is found to be more effective than TAU, it may offer a new, personalized approach to treating OCD, especially for individuals whose symptoms are driven by dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs. Additionally, since MCT targets the underlying thought processes that maintain OCD symptoms, it may provide longer-lasting symptom relief and reduce the likelihood of relapse compared to standard treatments.
Study Impact This study will provide important insights into whether MCT can provide better outcomes for individuals with OCD compared to standard treatments. If MCT is shown to be effective, it could become a valuable treatment option for those who do not respond well to traditional therapies like ERP. Moreover, MCT's focus on addressing metacognitive beliefs may lead to more durable improvements in OCD symptoms.