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Transcranial direct current stimulation for refractory auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
1Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India candrade@psychiatrist.com.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may help patients with schizophrenia experiencing severe auditory hallucinations resistant to medication. This noninvasive brain stimulation shows promise for symptom improvement with minimal adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia are often refractory to standard antipsychotic treatments, including clozapine.
- Refractory auditory hallucinations significantly impact patient quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Observation:
- A specific transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) protocol involves cathode placement over the left temporoparietal cortex and anode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
- This protocol has been applied in once- to twice-daily sessions for up to 3 years with reported benefits and no apparent adverse effects.
Findings:
- One randomized, sham-controlled trial and case reports support the efficacy of tDCS for antipsychotic-refractory auditory hallucinations.
- Improvements in negative and cognitive symptoms have also been observed in some patients.
Implications:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) presents a promising noninvasive therapeutic option for managing treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.
- Further research into tDCS may lead to novel treatment strategies for severe psychiatric conditions.
