Therapeutic neuromodulation for treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

While antipsychotics are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia, many patients do not achieve an adequate response. Indeed, a significant percentage are refractory to medication, including the most effective agent available, clozapine. As a result, there is a need for alternative treatments which are both effective and safe. Therapeutic neuromodulation includes such approaches as electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and deep brain stimulation and represents a growing field of study for refractory symptoms. This chapter discusses the potential role of such device-based therapies in schizophrenia.