Magnetic Stimulation as a Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Used to Treat Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease. Auditory hallucinations are the most frequent symptoms with an incident of 50% to 70% in patients.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can significantly reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. TMS is capable of inducing changes in the electrical activities of the brain in humans.

The purpose of this trial is to study the use of TMS to decrease auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.

We hypothesize that: True treatment with rTMS will have significant decrease in auditory hallucinations versus sham treatment over the temporoparietal cortex.

FMRI will highlight areas of activation with auditory hallucinations distinct from the area identified by Hoffman's scalp based method.

Cortical inhibition as measured by paired pulse TMS will be increased after true TMS but not sham TMS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Schizophrenia
• Auditory hallucinations occuring more than 5 times per day
• Adequate (6 weeks) trial of antipsychotic medication
• Including at least 1 atypical antipsychotic medication
• Medication stable for 4 weeks prior to commencement of the study
• Competent to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of seizure disorder in patient or first degree relative
• recent head injury
• Acute suicidality
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Implanted pacemaker or metal in head or neck
• Pregnancy