RESUMEN
Impaired insight in schizophrenia patients has been linked with prefrontal deficits. In this open-label study, we examined for potential insight facilitation effects of add-on tDCS (with anodal stimulation of left DLPFC and cathodal stimulation over left temporo-parietal junction) in schizophrenia patients (N=21) with persistent auditory hallucinations despite adequate antipsychotic treatment. Following tDCS, there was a significant improvement in insight with concurrent significant reduction in auditory hallucination severity. Improvement in insight correlated significantly with improvement in severity of auditory hallucinations. These findings suggest improvement of insight with add-on tDCS in schizophrenia with persistent auditory hallucinations.
Asunto(s)
Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica/psicología , Esquizofrenia/terapia , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Adulto , Antipsicóticos/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Alucinaciones/etiología , Alucinaciones/terapia , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Esquizofrenia/complicaciones , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to ameliorate auditory hallucinations that are nonresponsive/minimally responsive to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia. The neurobiological basis of the tDCS effects in ameliorating auditory hallucinations is yet to be explored. In this case report, for the first time, using the novel method for noninvasive assessment of cortical plasticity, we demonstrate potential neuroplasticity effect of tDCS in improving treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations in a schizophrenic patient.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/fisiología , Corteza Cerebral/fisiología , Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica/métodos , Alucinaciones/psicología , Alucinaciones/terapia , Esquizofrenia/terapia , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Adulto , Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales , Electroencefalografía , Potenciales Evocados/fisiología , Alucinaciones/etiología , Humanos , Masculino , Plasticidad Neuronal/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Treatment of nonresponsive auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia have been reported to improve with transcranial direct-current stimulation. This case description illustrates the use of add-on transcranial direct-current stimulation for rapid amelioration of auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia during the acute phase. Because transcranial direct-current stimulation is safe, largely well tolerated, and relatively inexpensive, this add-on treatment option is worth exploring through further rigorous studies.