Counteracting the “Jumping to Conclusion” bias in schizophrenia with a combination of neuromodulation and metacognitive training

In Canada around 1% of the population is diagnosed with schizophrenia, roughly corresponding to 40 000 people in British Columbia. One typical feature of Schizophrenia is making hasty decisions without weighing evidence; this is known as the “Jumping to Conclusion” (JTC) bias. The bias can be understood as a tendency of quickly committing a final decision based only on the first available evidence. One of the most successful forms of treating the bias in schizophrenia is Metacognitive Training. During this therapy, patients try to question the logic of their own decisions. The goal of this project is to enhance the beneficial effect of this treatment and establish methods for objective monitoring of successful therapy. The previous research of Prof. Woodward lab showed that is possible to track neural connections of brain regions involved in the JTC bias. Here, we plan to identify these networks in each of our patients. Next, using a new technology for safe electric modulation of neural connectivity, we will strengthen connections in the network. Through multiple testing sessions we will monitor changes in the brains of patients and thus the progress of therapy. This project can help us improve the treatment of schizophrenia.

 

 

End of Award Update – June 2025

Results

They were able to focus on exploring the connections between schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive challenges such as problems with thinking, memory, and attention. A key aspect of the project involved using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a form of brain stimulation that may enhance brain function in individuals with schizophrenia. They also established a new lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where they trained undergraduate students in EEG (brainwave) recording and brain stimulation techniques—many of whom have gone on to pursue graduate studies in psychology and neuroscience, contributing to the future of mental health research in British Columbia.

 

Another significant achievement was the development of a new method for analyzing complex behavioral data, which enhances understanding of how schizophrenia symptoms relate to cognitive difficulties. This advancement has the potential to inform more effective psychological and brain-based treatments. They have published one scientific paper with collaborators and have another under review, contributing to global efforts to improve outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. The award also helped solidify their long-term research goal: to continue investigating the links between symptoms and cognitive function in schizophrenia and to develop new strategies to improve quality of life for those affected.

 

Impact

The Research Trainee award has already had a meaningful impact in several key areas. It enabled them to train and mentor undergraduate students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), many of whom have continued their studies in psychology and neuroscience—contributing to the development of the next generation of mental health researchers in British Columbia.

 

Their research has advanced understanding of how symptoms of schizophrenia—such as difficulty expressing emotions and communicating—are connected to memory problems. This insight is crucial for developing more targeted and effective treatments, including therapy, medication, and brain stimulation approaches.

 

The award also facilitated the development of strong collaborations with researchers both in Canada and internationally. These partnerships have already resulted in one published research article and another in progress, further contributing to efforts aimed at improving the lives of people living with schizophrenia.

 

Potential Influence

This award has helped lay the foundation for a long-term research career focused on understanding the connection between symptoms and cognitive difficulties in schizophrenia. Looking ahead, they plan to continue this work by exploring brain-based treatments—such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—to address symptoms like reduced emotional expression and limited conversational flow.

 

The insights gained from their research may improve the identification of specific brain networks involved in these symptoms, enabling more precise and personalized interventions. By building on the progress made during the award period, they aim to contribute to improved mental health care both in British Columbia and globally.

 

Next Steps

As a next step, they are actively applying for prestigious European research grants to continue their work on the connection between symptoms and cognitive difficulties in schizophrenia. These include:

Through these funding opportunities, they aim to expand their research and develop brain-based treatments—such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—to alleviate symptoms and improve cognitive function in individuals with schizophrenia. They also intend to disseminate their findings through scientific publications, conferences, and public outreach, ensuring the knowledge benefits both professional and community audiences.