Effect of add-on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on persistent delusions in schizophrenia. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sreeraj, Vanteemar S.; Suhas, Satish; Parlikar, Rujuta; Selvaraj, Sowmya; Dinakaran, Damodaran; Shivakumar, Venkataram; Narayanaswamy, Janardhanan C.; Venkatasubramanian, Ganesan
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 290(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia -- Delusions -- Alpha-tACS; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Non-invasive brain stimulation to treat persistent delusions is an under-researched area. transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) (10-Hz) has the potential to alleviate persistent delusions. Add-on tACS targeting the midline cortical structures was administered in schizophrenia patients ( N =12) with persistent delusions. A significant reduction in the severity of delusions was noted following tACS. 10-Hz tACS for treating persistent delusions needs further systematic research. Abstract: The utility of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to alleviate resistant delusions in schizophrenia is an under-researched area. In this study, we report the effectiveness of alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting the medial prefrontal cortex in ameliorating persistent delusions. Twelve Schizophrenia patients ( N =12) with persistent delusions received add-on treatment with a twice-daily 20-minutes session of 10-Hz tACS. Significant reduction in severity of delusion was noted after 5th day ( z =2.67, p <0.01, n =12) with further improvement after 10th day ( z =2.52, p =0.01, n =9) of stimulation. Add-on treatment with 10-Hz tACS is a potential therapeutic option for treatment-resistant delusions, which requires further systematic research.