Cited by 185Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation StudiesSchizophrenia research and treatmentElectroconvulsive Therapy Studies

Safety and proof of principle study of cerebellar vermal theta burst stimulation in refractory schizophrenia

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Demirtas-Tatlidede, Asli, Freitas, Catarina, Cromer, Jennifer R., Safar, Laura, Ongur, Dost, Stone, William S., Seidman, Larry J., Schmahmann, Jeremy D. +1 more·2010·Schizophrenia Research

Abstract

Background Early invasive electrical stimulation studies suggested that enhancement of cerebellar vermal activity might prove valuable in symptomatic treatment of refractory neuropsychiatric diseases via modulation of emotion and affect. This proof of principle study aimed to test this hypothesis using noninvasive brain stimulation, and to explore the safety of this protocol in schizophrenia. Methods Eight treatment-refractory patients with schizophrenia underwent ten sessions of intermittent theta burst stimulation (TBS) to the cerebellar vermis using MRI-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Assessments included side effect questionnaires, cardiovascular monitoring, psychiatric evaluations and comprehensive neuropsychological testing before and after TBS and at one-week follow-up. Results Overall, TBS was tolerated well with mild side effects primarily comprising neck pain and headache. No serious adverse events occurred. Diastolic blood pressure (BP) showed mild decreases for five minutes post-TBS; no significant changes were detected for systolic BP or pulse. PANSS negative subscale showed significant improvements following TBS and during the follow-up. Calgary Depression Scale and self-report visual analog scales for Happiness and Sadness pointed to significant mood elevation. Neuropsychological testing revealed significantly fewer omissions in working memory and interference conditions of a Continuous Performance Test, a longer spatial span and better delay organization on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure during follow-up. No significant worsening in psychiatric or neuropsychological measures was detected. Conclusions Theta burst stimulation of the cerebellar vermis is safe and well-tolerated, while offering the potential to modulate affect, emotion and cognition in schizophrenia. Future randomized, sham-stimulation controlled studies are warranted to support the clinical efficacy of this technique.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.schres.2010.08.015

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  1. Delis DC Kaplan E Kramer JH Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS: Proverbs Test) 2001 San Antonio, Texas Pearson Assessment
  2. Heath RG Modulation of Emotion with a Brain Pacemaker J Nerv Ment Dis 1977 165 300 317 303280
  3. Wechsler D Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) 2001 San Antonio, Texas Pearson Assessment
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Authors
Demirtas-Tatlidede, A., Freitas, C., Cromer, J. R., Safar, L., Ongur, D., Stone, W. S., Seidman, L. J., Schmahmann, J. D., & Pascual-Leone, A.
Affiliations
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (US)
  • Harvard University (US)
Venue
Schizophrenia Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2010-12
Volume
124
Issue
1-3
Pages
91-100
ISSN
0920-9964 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2129217681
Cited by
185
References
101
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 11
FWCI
6.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Schizophrenia Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Center for Research Resources (K24RR018875, UL1RR025758)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies
Keywords
theta burst stimulation, cerebellar vermis
MeSH terms
Adult, Blood Pressure, Cerebellum, Cognition, Emotions, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Happiness, Headache, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Middle Aged, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Schizophrenia, Schizophrenic Psychology, Theta Rhythm, Treatment Outcome, Neck Pain, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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