Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Theta- and Alpha-Tuned Meditation for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Sponsor: Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross
Summary
This study done at the psychiatrics hospital of the cross Lebanon examined whether guided meditation combined with special sound stimulation (binaural beats) could help reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as low motivation and social withdrawal. Ninety inpatients participated in a six-week program and were assigned to meditation alone or meditation combined with either alpha- or theta-frequency sound stimulation. Results showed that patients who received meditation with binaural beats improved more than those who had meditation alone. The greatest improvement was seen in the theta-frequency group. Although not all differences were statistically significant, the findings suggest that this simple, low-cost, non-medication approach may help reduce persistent negative symptoms. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Official title: The Impact of Theta and Alpha Frequency-Tuned Meditation on Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2025-08-05
Completion Date
2025-10-31
Last Updated
2026-11-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Alpha binaural beats
Group A Intervention: Participants in this group listened to pre-recorded guided meditation sessions that included affirmations targeting negative symptoms, combined with calming background music and alpha-frequency binaural beats (10 Hz). To maintain engagement, four unique meditation scripts were prepared, with one script delivered per session day and repeated in sequence over the six-week intervention period. All sessions were delivered using high-fidelity wireless headphones to ensure consistent and clear auditory stimulation. This behavioral intervention aimed to improve motivation, emotional expression, and social engagement in patients with schizophrenia.
Theta binaural beats
Group B Intervention: Participants in this group listened to the same pre-recorded guided meditation sessions and calming background music as Group A, but the audio was combined with theta-frequency binaural beats (6 Hz). Four unique meditation scripts were delivered in sequence, one per session day, and repeated over the six-week intervention period to maintain engagement. Sessions were administered using high-fidelity wireless headphones to ensure clear and consistent delivery. This behavioral intervention aimed to enhance motivation, emotional expression, and social engagement in patients with schizophrenia, with theta-frequency stimulation intended to provide additional modulation of brain rhythms.
Locations (1)
Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross
Beirut, Lebanon