Effects of right prefrontal theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation on apathy in patients with schizophrenia: A multicenter RCT

Claire Kos, Leonie Bais, Nicky Klaasen, Esther Opmeer, Edith Liemburg, Klaas J. Wardenaar, Marie José van Tol, Henderikus Knegtering, André Aleman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

58 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Apathy is a core negative symptom associated with an unfavorable functional outcome. Noninvasive brain stimulation has shown promise in the treatment of schizophrenia but has not been tested specifically for apathy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of intermittent theta-burst (iTBS) transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeted at the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder suffering from apathy. The study was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, and rater-blinded trial. Patients (N = 88) were randomized into active iTBS, active tDCS, sham iTBS or sham tDCS treatment, daily for two weeks (excluding weekends). Effects were measured post-treatment and at four week and ten week follow-up. Primary outcome was apathy severity (Apathy Evaluation Scale, clinician-rated). Additional measures included assessment of negative symptoms, depression, anhedonia and quality of life. No significant difference in improvement of apathy or negative symptoms was observed for real versus sham treatment with either iTBS or tDCS, though all groups improved to a small extent. We conclude that two weeks of brain stimulation over the right DLPFC with either iTBS or tDCS is not effective for improving apathy or negative symptoms. Longer and more intensive protocols may yield different results.

Original languageEnglish
Article number115743
Number of pages8
JournalPsychiatry Research
Volume333
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar-2024

Keywords

  • Negative symptoms
  • Noninvasive brain stimulation
  • Prefrontal cortex
  • Randomized clinical trial

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of right prefrontal theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation on apathy in patients with schizophrenia: A multicenter RCT'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this