TMS is a potential treatment for people with schizophrenia and treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). Magnetic fields are used to stimulate the brain via a simple coil held to the head. Several studies have reported that TMS was able to reduce auditory hallucinations. Research to date has found TMS to be quite safe with minimal side-effects. The stimulation is non-invasive and is given while the person is fully awake and alert. TMS is currently being offered as a treatment in research studies at the Black Dog Institute (on site of Prince of Wales Hospital), Randwick, Sydney.

Official Title

A New Treatment for Auditory Hallucinations (Voices): Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Conditions

  • Schizophrenia

Study Type

Study Design

Further Details

Participants will be required to attend the Black Dog Institute (Randwick) 4-5 days per week for three weeks. Those who respond well to TMS may continue to have a further 2-6 weeks of treatment.

Study Start

Eligibility & Criteria

  • Diagnosis of Schizophrenia
  • Frequent auditory hallucinations (hearing voices), occurring daily

Total Enrolment

Contact Details

Study Coordinator for the TMS Trials
(02) 382 3720
tms@unsw.edu.au

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