High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Its Effects on Symptoms, Cognition and Subjective Experiences in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Sham-Controlled Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Our object is to examine the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the symptoms, cognitive functions and subjective experiences in patients with chronic schizophrenia and to enhance the overall understanding of the TMS method.

Methods: Thirty three patients who had chronic schizophrenia were included in the study. Seventeen patients received rTMS and 16 received sham. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Scale, Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire and a self-experience checklist developed by the researchers to evaluate post-TMS experiences were applied to all patients.

Results: There were no statistical differences between the groups with regard to symptoms, cognitive functions and insight. However rTMS group reported overall better treatment experience and more positive subjective experiences.

Conclusion: rTMS treatment did not cause any improvement in symptoms, cognitive functions and insight but provided a better self-experience, which might improve treatment compliance.