Delayed effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Findings from a randomized controlled trial. (30th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Zhe; Yin, Ming; Lyu, Xiao-Li; Zhang, Lan-Lan; Du, Xiang-Dong; Hung, Galen Chin-Lun
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 240(2016)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 335
• Publication Date: 2016-06-30
• Subjects: rTMS -- Negative symptoms -- Randomized controlled study; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.04.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence is inconsistent regarding the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study, 47 patients were randomized to receive either active rTMS over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (n=25) or sham stimulation (n=22). Negative symptoms were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, there was no difference in SANS scores between 2 groups. By 8 weeks, patients with active rTMS had significantly reduced SANS score than controls. Our findings suggest a delayed effect of rTMS on negative symptoms. Highlights: Evidence is inconsistent regarding the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on negative symptoms of schizophrenia. A sufficient period of observation, such as 8 weeks, may be required to fully capture its effect.