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"Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia": Scoping Review
Indra Maulana1, Iwan Shalahuddin1, Theresia Eriyani1
1Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows promise for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia. Low-frequency rTMS over the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) appears most effective, but more standardized trials are needed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a significant and often treatment-resistant symptom in schizophrenia.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is being explored as a non-pharmacological treatment option for AVH.
- Existing research on rTMS for AVH is fragmented due to varied study designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review and map the existing evidence on rTMS for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia patients.
- To analyze stimulation parameters, clinical outcomes, and neuroimaging findings associated with rTMS treatment for AVH.
- To identify research gaps in the current body of evidence regarding rTMS for schizophrenia-associated AVH.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was performed following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
- Literature searches were conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceDirect) for studies published between 2015 and 2025.
- Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and exploratory trials, with data synthesized descriptively.
Main Results:
- Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, primarily from China, France, India, and the Netherlands.
- Low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS targeting the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) was the most common protocol.
- RCTs indicated significant reductions in AVH severity, though some showed placebo effects; neuroimaging revealed rTMS-induced brain connectivity modulation.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) demonstrates potential as a non-pharmacological treatment for auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia.
- Low-frequency rTMS applied to the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) appears particularly promising.
- Further multicenter trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are essential to confirm clinical efficacy.
