Recently, a new technology known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) has been developed.1 In 1994, the use of magnetic stimulation in clinical psychiatry was suggested.2 Since then, it has been used in the study or treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, conversion disorder, schizophrenia, and particularly, depression.3

Our pilot study aimed to assess the possible adverse effects of this treatment in chronic schizophrenic patients with severe negative symptoms; to evaluate if direct RTMS of the prefrontal cortex might improve negative symptoms or cognitive impairments4 in patients with chronic schizophrenia; and thirdly, to note if RTMS might modify the deficit in prefrontal cortical activity, often referred to as hypofrontality, long established in schizophrenia,5specially under conditions of task activation.

Six right handed patients with chronic schizophrenia were identified at the outpatient psychiatric service of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. There were two men and four women (mean age 39).

Exclusion criteria included alcohol or substance abuse dependence disorder in the past 5 years, focal neurological findings, systemic neurological illness, taking cerebral metabolic activator or vasodilator medications, electroconvulsive therapy within 6 months, and significant abnormal findings on laboratory examination.

All …