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

Psychiatry Res. 2016 Jun 30:240:333-335. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.04.046. Epub 2016 Apr 22.

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.

Keywords: Negative symptoms; Randomized controlled study; rTMS.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*
  • Treatment Outcome