Korean J Schizophr Res.  2024 Oct;27(2):49-56. 10.16946/kjsr.2024.27.2.49.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Schizophrenia Patients

• Jang M
• Kim M
• Park S
• Kwon JS

• KMID: 2560354
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16946/kjsr.2024.27.2.49

Abstract

In schizophrenia, while antipsychotic medications are the primary treatment, auditory hallucinations may sometimes persist despite pharmacotherapy, and negative symptoms and cognitive impairments often show a limited response to these medications. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment, capable of modulating neuronal activity in targeted brain regions. Low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) directed at the left temporoparietal cortex has demonstrated efficacy in reducing auditory hallucinations. In addressing negative symptoms, high-frequency rTMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has shown some effectiveness, though outcomes can vary. Innovative techniques, including theta burst stimulation and personalized approaches utilizing neuroimaging, are currently under investigation to further enhance the therapeutic potential of TMS. This review examines the application of TMS in the treatment of schizophrenia, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing research to refine and optimize its efficacy across diverse symptom domains.

Keyword

Auditory hallucination; Cognitive symptom; Negative symptom; Schizophrenia; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; 경두개 자기 자극술; 음성증상; 인지증상; 조현병; 환청

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