Effect of add-on transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on persistent delusions in schizophrenia

Psychiatry Res. 2020 Aug:290:113106. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113106. Epub 2020 May 23.

Abstract

The utility of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to alleviate resistant delusions in schizophrenia is an under-researched area. In this study, we report the effectiveness of alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting the medial prefrontal cortex in ameliorating persistent delusions. Twelve Schizophrenia patients (N=12) with persistent delusions received add-on treatment with a twice-daily 20-minutes session of 10-Hz tACS. Significant reduction in severity of delusion was noted after 5th day (z=2.67, p<0.01, n=12) with further improvement after 10th day (z=2.52, p=0.01, n=9) of stimulation. Add-on treatment with 10-Hz tACS is a potential therapeutic option for treatment-resistant delusions, which requires further systematic research.

Keywords: Alpha-tACS; Delusions; Treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delusions / complications*
  • Delusions / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome