Original Research J Clin Psychiatry May 2026

Effects of Experimental Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation on Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia: A Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Patients with schizophrenia often remain disabled by negative symptoms even when positive symptoms are controlled, and effective treatment options are limited. This trial asks a practical question for clinicians considering neuromodulation: does left DLPFC iTBS add meaningful benefit for persistent, predominantly negative symptoms beyond sham treatment? FAQ Did intermittent theta burst stimulation work better than sham treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia in this study? 12 questions
Key Takeaways This trial tested a nonstandard high-density iTBS regimen: 720 pulses per session at 100% of the individual MT, delivered in 8 trains of 90 pulses over 5 min 52 sec for 15 sessions. Clinicians should not assume equivalence with more common protocols using 600 pulses/session and ≥20 sessions, because the modified schedule may have altered neuroplastic effects. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians identify which patients with schizophrenia match the population studied for experimental iTBS targeting predominant negative symptoms? 6 steps Clinical Guide How was the experimental left DLPFC iTBS course delivered and monitored for patients with schizophrenia and predominant negative symptoms? 7 steps
Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. (PPP) makes no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of any information published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry or other PPP materials, and disclaims liability for any use or non-use of that information. Clinicians should not rely solely on these materials and should exercise their own professional judgment when making patient care decisions on an individualized basis.

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