Original article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2010;13(2):97-103.

정신분열병 환자의 음성증상에서 반복 경두개자기자극 치료

Tae-Hyoung Park, MD1, Jin-Suk Jo, MA1, Won-Tan Byon, MD1, Young-Min Park, MD1 and Sun-Min Jung, MD, PhD2

Abstract

Objectives:Using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to activate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been suggested as a treatment for negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of high frequency and low frequency rTMS on negative symptom of schizophrenia.
Methods:Two group of 7 and 6 schizophrenic subjects each were exposed to 20 treatments, 20 Hz (1,600 pulses per day= 32,000 total) or 1 Hz (1,200 pulses per day=24,000 total) rTMS at 110% motor threshold over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while being maintained on their atypical antipsychotics. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, 4-week and 8-week followup after the last treatment.
Results:All subjects completed the treatment course. In 20 Hz rTMS treatment a statistically significant decrease of negative symptoms was found (21.2% in the PANSS negative symptom subscale, p=0.028). But 1 Hz rTMS treatment a statistically significant decrease of negative symptoms was not found (5.6% reduction in the PANSS negative symptom subscale, p=0.596). No adverse events occurred during therapy except for mild headaches. In 20 Hz rTMS treatment a statistically significant decrease of Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was found (p=0.04). Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), Verbal Fluency test and Stroop test did not demonstrate any significant change.
Conclusion:High frequency rTMS may serve as a relatively noninvasive treatment of the negative symptom associated with schizophrenia. (Korean J Schizophr Res 2010;13:97-103)

Key Words: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,Schizophrenia,Negative symptoms