The use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH)

Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
M Jandl

Abstract

Up to one-third of all schizophrenic patients suffer from auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) that are resistant to antipsychotics. The use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a therapeutic option that may disrupt or attenuate treatment resistant (TR) AVHs. This article reviews the available literature on the use of rTMS to treat AVHs, particularly focusing on randomised controlled trials, which have introduced new definitions ("refractory AVHs"), and techniques (active comparator strategies and imaging-guided rTMS). A number of meta-analyses are considered, which support a range of positive effect sizes for AVH attenuation in response to rTMS. Larger maintenance and follow-up studies with clearer clinical definitions of TR AVH are required. The underlying mechanism of action of rTMS on language networks needs further clarification and future trials should focus on methods for assessing AVH changes, time courses of response, and the development of response markers.

Citations

Dec 3, 2014·Psychiatry Research·Antoin D de WeijerEduard H J F Boezeman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antipsychotic Drugs

Antipsychotic drugs are a class of medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Discover the latest research on antipsychotic drugs here