Three-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating negative symptoms and cognitive functions in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effects and safety of three different frequencies of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with medication treatment on negative symptoms and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Eighty-two patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, primarily presenting with negative symptoms according to ICD-10, were randomly divided into four groups: sham stimulation group (n=20), 5 Hz group (n=21), 10 Hz group (n=21), and 20 Hz group (n=20). These groups received transcranial magnetic stimulation for 8 weeks, in addition to their existing antipsychotic medications. Before treatment and at the end of 8 weeks of treatment, patients were assessed using the Negative Symptoms Scale (SANS) to measure negative symptoms, as well as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment...