Right prefrontal slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in schizophrenia: a double-blind sham- controlled pilot study

Background: The aim of this study was to extend our previous work on the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in major depression to patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty-five inpatients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either right prefrontal rTMS or sham treatment and were rated before and after treatment for positive, negative, and depressive symptoms. Results: Thirty-one subjects (rTMS = 16, sham = 15) completed a 2-week treatment protocol. No serious adverse effects were reported; however, rTMS was not superior to sham treatment on any of the clinical ratings. Conclusions: In contrast to our previous positive findings in major depression, right prefrontal slow rTMS does not appear to have a beneficial effect for actively psychotic patients with schizophrenia.