Insight facilitation with add-on tDCS in schizophrenia

Schizophr Res. 2014 Jun;156(1):63-5. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.03.029. Epub 2014 Apr 24.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Auditory hallucinations; Insight; Schizophrenia; tDCS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / etiology
  • Hallucinations / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents