Abstract:

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of slow repetitive transcranial magnetive stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of resistant auditory hallucination in elderly patients with schizophrenia. Methods Twenty elderly patients with schizophrenia and duration of resistant auditory hallucination no less than one year were selected. On the basis of stable antipsychotic drugs treatment, patients underwent slow rTMS (1 Hz) therapy in left temporoparietal region in two weeks, with 5 times per week. The scores of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), MiniMental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) before and after treatment were compared. The decrease in score of auditory hallucination for no less than 2 points was defined as effectiveness, and that for less than 2 points was considered as ineffectiveness. The acceptance of rTMS by patients were surveyed with questionnaire 2 weeks after treatment. Results Effectiveness of rTMS therapy in treatment of auditory hallucination was achieved in 7 patients, and ineffectiveness in 13 patients. The total efficiency rate was 45.0% revealed by CGI scoring. All subjects accepted rTMS therapy, and no adverse event occurred. Conclusion It is effective and safe for slow rTMS to treat elderly patients with schizophrenia and resistant auditory hallucination.

Key words: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, auditory hallucination, elderly, schizophrenia