Brain stimulation methods for patients with schizophrenia – new therapies on the horizon?

Abstract

Summary Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer new promising treatment options in schizophrenia. However, the evidence from meta-analyses and randomized clinical studies is limited. Results: For repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) the clinical efficacy is highest for the 1-Hz rTMS over the left temporal cortex to improve auditory hallucinations, nevertheless there are studies showing no benefit. For negative symptoms rTMS could be offered keeping in mind the good tolerability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has a good risk-benefit ratio, but the evidence for schizophrenia symptoms is still derived from small sample studies. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment option with the highest clinical efficacy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, catatonia or other defined treatment circumstances, but has more adverse side effects. More research is needed to understand which stimulation technique could be recommended for a certain patient.