Prof. Dr. Christoph Herrmann
Experimental Psychology Lab
Department for Psychology
European Medical School Oldenburg/Groningen
Carl von Ossietzky Universität

Prof. Dr. Andre Aleman
Faculty of Medical Sciences
University of Groningen

Dr. Branislava Curcic-Blake
Department of Neuroscience
University Medical Center Groningen
University of Groningen

Maryam Faramarzi Yazd, M.Sc.
PhD Student

Summary: The aim of this project is to develop new non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that allow to reduce the symptoms of auditory verbal hallucinations as frequently observed in schizophrenic patients and other psychiatric diseases. More specifically, we plan to target specific oscillations that have been shown to be associated with hallucinations, using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The project consists of three series of experiments conducted partly in Oldenburg and partly in Groningen. We hypothesize that reducing gamma synchrony and/or functional connectivity in the temporoparietal junction and the left temporoparietal cortex will affect relevant underlying perceptual processes and will have the potential to reduce hallucinations. In this project, we adopt a cognitive neuroscience approach to address issues of underlying mechanism and also test tACS as an intervention with clinical value. Neuroimaging with fMRI will be used to elucidate neural correlates of the neurostimulation.

Publications:

• Faramarzi, M., Kasten, F. H., Altaş, G., Aleman, A., Ćurčić-Blake, B., & Herrmann, C. S. (2021). Similar EEG Activity Patterns During Experimentally-Induced Auditory Illusions and Veridical Perceptions. Frontiers in neuroscience, 15, 602437