Study of Two Brain Stimulation Treatments for Resistant Auditory Hallucinations in Adults with Schizophrenia

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS on patients with schizophrenia who experience resistant auditory hallucinations. The study compares two stimulation methods, rTMS and continuous theta-burst stimulation cTBS, used alongside antipsychotic medications. The main goal is to observe changes in hallucinations using the Auditory Hallucinations Rating Scale AHRS from the start of treatment to its completion. Participants receive one of two treatments at the left temporo-parietal junction. The rTMS method involves 20 sessions over 2 weeks, with two 20-minute sessions per day separated by a one-hour break. The cTBS method lasts 15 days with 45 sessions, each lasting 40 seconds and including specific pulse patterns, given three times daily with 15-minute breaks between sessions. Both treatments are provided under naturalistic, routine practice conditions. During the study, participants will be assessed using the AHRS at baseline, end of treatment, and follow-ups at 1 and 3 months. Additional evaluations include response rates based on AHRS score changes, symptom severity scales, cognitive tests, mood assessments, addictive behavior questionnaires, quality of life measures, and global clinical impressions. This comprehensive monitoring helps track treatment effects and overall participant well-being throughout and after the treatment periods.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Resistant Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia