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BackgroundHigh frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has shown significant efficiency in the treatment of resistant depression. However in healthy subjects, the effects of rTMS remain unclear.ObjectiveOur aim was to determine the impact of 10 sessions of rTMS applied to the DLPFC on mood and emotion recognition in healthy subjects.DesignIn a randomised double-blind study, 20 subjects received 10 daily sessions of active (10 Hz frequency) or sham rTMS. The TMS coil was positioned on the left DLPFC through neuronavigation. Several dimensions of mood and emotion processing were assessed at baseline and after rTMS with clinical scales, visual analogue scales (VASs), and the Ekman 60 faces test.ResultsThe 10 rTMS sessions targeting the DLPFC were well tolerated. No significant difference was found between the active group and the control group for clinical scales and the Ekman 60 faces test. Compared to the control group, the active rTMS group presented a significant improvement in their adaptation to daily life, which was assessed through VAS.ConclusionThis study did not show any deleterious effect on mood and emotion recognition of 10 sessions of rTMS applied on the DLPFC in healthy subjects. This study also suggested a positive effect of rTMS on quality of life.

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Background: Several studies reported on the effectiveness of 1 Hz repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the temporoparietal cortex (TPC) on refractory auditory hallucinations (AH) in schizophrenia but little is known about the long-term therapeutic effect of this tool. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate rTMS' impact on auditory hallucinations (AH) and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia with a three-month follow-up. Methods: In a randomized double blind sham controlled study, 26 patients with refractory schizophrenia received 1 Hz rTMS applied on TPC for four weeks. rTMS was given to patients over one month with five rTMS sessions each week. Patients were evaluated via AHRS (Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale, Hoffman et al.), PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Kay et al. 1988), and CGI (Clinical Global Impression) before treatment by rTMS every week during the first month, and every month until the third month. Results: Neither clinical nor cognitive differences were found between rTMS and placebo. Conclusion: 1 Hz rTMS using parameters mentioned above has no statistically significant effect on AH; although evidences about the potential benefit of rTMS in the treatment of AH negative results suggest the need for further studies in this area.

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