A peer-reviewed, evidence-based journal for clinicians in the field of neuroscience
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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 ] 18 Table 2 lists the reviewed literature on use of TMS for treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. SAFETY OF TMS In 2007, in a multicenter study, researchers looked at safety and efficacy of TMS in the treatment of major depression. 42 Of the 301 subjects in th study, the only adverse event attributed to TMS at a rate higher than placebo/sham was scalp discomfort (occurring in 38.5% of subjects for a 1-week period at the start of the TMS course). No seizures occurred. SUMMARY Based on our examination of the literature from the past 15 years, we conclude that the use of TMS in schizophrenia has its greatest efficacy in treating auditory hallucinations. The frequency and severity of auditory hallucinations, in particular, may be decreased by targeting low frequency TMS stimuli to Wernicke's area in the left temporo-parietal cortex. Since 20 percent of patients with schizophrenia experience treatment- resistant auditory hallucinations, 1 3 further studies to assess the efficacy of TMS in both inpatient and outpatient populations are merited. Based on our examination of the literature, reduction of negative symptoms using high frequency TMS to the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex is encouraging given our current lack of treatment options for these debilitating symptoms. Positive results in reducing cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia are also promising and warrant further study of the efficacy of TMS on cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. REFERENCES 1. O'Reardon J , Solvason H, Janicak P, et al. Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2007;62:1208–1216. 2. Stanford A, Corcoran C, Bulow P, et al. High frequency prefrontal rTMS for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a case series. 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