Noninvasive brain stimulation and auditory verbal hallucinations: new techniques and future directions

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Charles eFernyhough¹  Amanda eEllison¹  Ben eAlderson-Day¹  Renaud eJardri²  Peter eMoseley³ 

[1] Durham University;Lille University;University of Central Lancashire;

关键词: Hallucinations;    Neuronavigation;    Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS);    transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS);    neurostimulation;    state dependency;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnins.2015.00515

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are the experience of hearing a voice in the absence of any speaker. Results from recent attempts to treat AVHs with neurostimulation (rTMS or tDCS) to the left temporoparietal junction have not been conclusive, but suggest that it may be a promising treatment option for some individuals. Some evidence suggests that the therapeutic effect of neurostimulation on AVHs may result from modulation of cortical areas involved in the ability to monitor the source of self-generated information. Here, we provide a brief overview of cognitive models and neurostimulation paradigms associated with treatment of AVHs, and discuss techniques that could be explored in the future to improve the efficacy of treatment, including alternating current and random noise stimulation. Technical issues surrounding the use of neurostimulation as a treatment option are discussed (including methods to localise the targeted cortical area, and the state-dependent effects of brain stimulation), as are issues surrounding the acceptability of neurostimulation for adolescent populations and individuals who experience qualitatively different types of AVH.

【 授权许可】

Unknown