Theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia and depression

• Negative symptoms in schizophrenia and core depressive symptoms share phenomenology and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment modality for both conditions. The most common treatment site has been the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) but there might be more optimal targets. Furthermore, the implementation of the currently approved protocols is hampered by the long duration. More intense stimulation protocols such as the theta burst stimulation (TBS) are significantly shorter and may be as effective and safe.The overall aim of this project is to evaluate the treatment effect of TBS on poor motivation and anhedonia in schizophrenia and depression and to explore the neurobiological correlates of these deficits.The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) is a key cortical area in networks associated with motivation and anhedonia and it is affected in both schizophrenia and depression. The dmPFC has recently been identified as a possible site of stimulation and is now within reach by new angled coils that have deeper tissue penetration.Our study will enroll 38 patients with schizophrenia, 38 patients with depression and 38 healthy volunteers. Patients will be given daily TBS (totally 2400 pulses, 1200 on each hemisphere) over the dmPFC during 10 days. Target symptoms will be assessed with the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). We will also assess cortical excitability with paired-pulse stimulation and the pre-attentive memory function with mismatch negativity (MMN), spontaneous motor activity (assessed with 24 hours accelerometer) as well as autonomic nervous system tone (assessed by skin conductance, heart rate variability and breathing pattern). In addition, we will evaluate cognitive function (speed of processing, verbal fluency, auditory and working memory, visuospatial ability) during rest and stress.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

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