Transcranial direct current stimulation may be beneficial for refractory auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.
Despite adequate pharmacological therapy, up to 30% of schizophrenia patients suffer from treatment-refractory auditory hallucinations (TRAH). Studies defining the role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the management of auditory hallucinations have shown mixed results.
To address the controversial efficacy of this treatment strategy, recently a meta-analysis was published in Asian Journal of Psychiatry by Jiang et al. The authors have shown that adjunctive tDCS is not more efficacious than sham tDCS in improving auditory hallucinations symptoms. But subgroup analysis suggested that twice-daily stimulation or ≥ 10 stimulation sessions may be beneficial in this regard.
Auditory hallucinations are a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. These symptoms are often distressing, especially when verbal content is threatening, derogatory, or abusive in nature. Persistent auditory hallucinations have been associated with emotional distress, and may increase risk of suicide and acts of violence. Despite adequate pharmacological therapy, up to 30% of schizophrenia patients suffer from treatment-refractory auditory hallucinations (TRAH).
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