Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising treatment for schizophrenia, improving clinical symptoms, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity. Recent studies show that tDCS can quickly alleviate auditory hallucinations and other symptoms, making it a useful adjunct to antipsychotic medications. The technique involves passing a small electrical current through the scalp to modulate brain activity and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in both short-term and medium-term applications. Researchers are particularly interested in tDCS’s ability to alter neuroplasticity, potentially offering new insights into schizophrenia’s neurological basis.

tDCS works through polarity-specific changes in neuronal excitability, affecting both short-term and long-term brain function. Changes in synaptic environments, NMDA and GABA receptor activity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulation are believed to be involved. Understanding the factors influencing clinical response to tDCS and its impact on various schizophrenia symptoms could significantly advance treatment options.

Reference: Agarwal SM, Shivakumar V, Bose A, et al. Transcranial direct current stimulation in schizophrenia. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2013 Dec;11(3):118-25. doi: 10.9758/cpn.2013.11.3.118. Epub 2013 Dec 24. PMID: 24465247; PMCID: PMC3897759.