Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the deficit syndrome of schizophrenia: a pilot investigation

Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2005 Jun;59(3):354-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2005.01382.x.

Abstract

In an open study, four subjects with a stable deficit syndrome of schizophrenia received high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (15 Hz at 90% of motor threshold, 1800 pulses each session, daily for 20 sessions over 4 weeks) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects showed a significant reduction in negative symptoms and improvement in function, with no change in positive symptoms. This improvement was maintained at the 1 month follow up. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment of the deficit syndrome of schizophrenia is feasible, safe and may be beneficial. A systematic study in randomized control trials would be appropriate.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*