A peer-reviewed, evidence-based journal for clinicians in the field of neuroscience
Issue link: https://innovationscns.epubxp.com/i/555782
Innovations in CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE [ V O L U M E 1 2 , N U M B E R 7 – 8 , J U L Y – A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 ] 12 ABSTRACT We reviewed the literature on transcranial magnetic stimulation and its uses and efficacy in schizophrenia. Multiple sources were examined on transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy in relieving positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Literature review was conducted via Ovid Medline and PubMed databases. We found multiple published studies and meta- analyses that give evidence that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can have benefit in relieving positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly auditory hallucinations. These findings should encourage the psychiatric community to expand research into other applications for which transcranial magnetic stimulation may be used to treat patients with psychiatric disability. INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is arguably the most debilitating of psychiatric illnesses, psychologically, socially, and financially. 1 Starting in late adolescence to early adulthood and with a lifelong course that typically is characterized by relapses, the impact of schizophrenia on the individual who suffers from it is both pervasive and prolonged. Symptoms of schizophrenia are grouped in several ways, one of which is to divide them into positive or negative symptoms. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, while the negative symptoms include affective flattening, alogia, anhedonia, and avolition. 2 . Pharmacotherapy with antipsychotic medication remains the mainstay in the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Antipsychotic agents (first, second, and third generations) have been shown to be most effective in reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but unsatisfactory in reducing negative symptoms and the propensity to relapse. 3 Furthermore, almost one- third of patients with positive psychotic schizophrenia do not respond to antipsychotic by JONATHAN C. COLE, DO; CAROLYN GREEN BERNACKI, DO; AMANDA HELMER, RN; NARSIMHA PINNINTI, MD; and JOHN P. O'REARDON, MD All from the Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey Innov Clin Neurosci. 2015;12(7–8):12–19 FUNDING: No funding was received for the preparation of this manuscript. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article. ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO: Jonathan C. Cole, DO, Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, The University Doctors 2250 Chapel Avenue, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002; Phone: (856) 482-9000 Fax: (856) 482-1159; Email: colejo@rowan.edu KEY WORDS: Transcranial magnetic stimulation, schizophrenia, review of literature [ R E V I E W ] Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Review of the Literature to Date