Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in Schizophrenia

Abstract Schizophrenia is a complex network disorder in urgent need of novel treatments that are effective and well tolerated. Non-invasive brain stimulation has potential to address this need by restoring impaired network activity patterns associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia. Despite a surge in interest and in the number of (mostly small) trials, no specific paradigm has yet emerged as a game-changing treatment paradigm. Here, we review studies of transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy. We discuss the current challenges and propose several key directions for research aimed at developing the next generation of non-invasive brain stimulation paradigms for the treatment of schizophrenia. In particular, we highlight the importance of measuring target engagement by the stimulation, developing novel stimulation waveforms by rational design, and performing larger, more definite multi-center clinical trials.