title: Understanding tDCS effects in schizophrenia: a systematic review of clinical data and an integrated computation modeling analysis.
abstract: Although recent clinical studies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for schizophrenia showed encouraging results, several tDCS montages were employed and their current flow pattern has not been investigated. We performed a systematic review to identify clinical tDCS studies in schizophrenia. We then applied computer head modeling analysis for prediction of current flow. Out of 41 references, we identified 12 relevant studies. The most employed montage was anode and cathode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal and temporoparietal cortex, respectively. Computational model analysis predicted activation and under-activation under the anode and the cathode, respectively, occurring in areas respectively associated with negative and positive symptoms. We also identified tDCS-induced electrical currents in cortical areas between the electrodes (frontoparietal network) and, to a lesser extent, in deeper structures involved in schizophrenia pathophysiology. Mechanisms of tDCS effects in schizophrenia and the usefulness of computer modeling techniques for planning tDCS trials in schizophrenia are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andre R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Brunoni
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shiozawa
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Truong
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Javitt
authors.forename: Hélio
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Elkis
authors.forename: Felipe
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fregni
authors.forename: Marom
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bikson
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D065908:Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
keywords: auditory hallucinations; computer based modeling; non-invasive brain stimulation; schizophrenia; transcranial direct current stimulation