Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Treatment of Auditory Hallucinations

A Pilot Study Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Investigate the Role of the Temporal Cortex in Schizophrenic Patients With Auditory Hallucinations

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves the use of magnetic fields to non-invasively stimulate the brain. Studies overseas have suggested this may be an effective and safe treatment for auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. This is a sham-controlled, double-blind trial of TMS stimulation for the treatment of auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18, with DSM-IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations of clear external origins, refractory to pharmacotherapy and occurring at least 5 times per day.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with contraindications to TMS (e.g. epilepsy, pacemaker) or those with an unacceptably high risk (e.g. suicide risk) will be excluded from the study.