RESUMEN
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.