Chapter 8: Emerging Non-invasive Brain Stimulations for Schizophrenia
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Published:06 Dec 2024
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Special Collection: 2024 eBook CollectionSeries: Drug Discovery Series
X. Wang, D. M. Blumberger, P. Ismail, and B. Le Foll, in Drug Discovery for Schizophrenia
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Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) encompasses a variety of techniques that modulate brain activity transcranially, including transcranial current stimulation (tCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic seizure therapy (MST), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS). These modalities are now extensively studied for their applications in various neuropsychiatric conditions, notably schizophrenia. In general, NIBS serves dual roles in schizophrenia. As a probe, it offers insights into cortical reactivity, connectivity, and oscillations, elucidating the disorder’s pathophysiology. As a treatment, NIBS has shown promise in alleviating positive symptoms (e.g. auditory hallucinations), negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. While clinical outcomes vary, ongoing research aims to optimize stimulation parameters and identify patient-specific predictors of response. The integration of NIBS into therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia is cautiously optimistic, highlighting its potential as a transformative approach in neuropsychiatric treatment.