Effect of augmentatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia: randomized controlled study

Objective: Auditory hallucinations are a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia and are usually resistant to treatment. The present study was conducted to further support the findings that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces auditory hallucinations, and to evaluate the effect of low-frequency rTMS on auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Methods: Forty schizophrenia patients were included in the study. Patients were randomized to control or experimental group. Low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz, 90% motor threshold) was applied to the left temporoparietal cortex of patients in the experimental group for 10 days following the standard guidelines as an addition to antipsychotic treatment. The control group received only antipsychotics. The changes in the psychopathology scores for the auditory hallucinations were recorded using auditory hallucination recording scale. The rater was blind to the intervention procedure. Results: A significant improvement was found in auditory hallucinations in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Left temporoparietal rTMS warrants further study as an intervention for auditory hallucinations. Data suggest that this intervention selectively alters neurobiological factors determining frequency of these hallucinations.