High-definition transcranial direct current simulation (HD-tDCS) for persistent auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

Asian J Psychiatr. 2018 Oct:37:46-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Aug 9.

Abstract

Conventional transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to alleviate persistent auditory hallucinations (AH) in schizophrenia as an add-on intervention. High-Definition tDCS (HD-tDCS), an optimized form of tDCS, has the potential for more focalized neuromodulation. In this study, add-on HD-tDCS (5 days twice daily session with 2-mA cathodal current on left temporo-parietal junction) using 4 × 1 ring montage significantly reduced persistent AH (t = 3.6;p < 0.01) in schizophrenia patients (N = 19). Add-on HD-tDCS has promising potential to treat persisting AH in schizophrenia. This needs further systematic research.

Keywords: Auditory hallucinations; HD-tDCS; Schizophrenia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / etiology
  • Hallucinations / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Schizophrenia / complications
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult