Abstract Details

Title The Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation for Auditory Hallucinations: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Topic Aging, Dementia, and Behavioral Neurology

Presentation(s) P6 - Poster Session 6 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 13-006

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia patients through an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Background

Auditory hallucinations persist in a significant proportion of patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders despite optimal antipsychotic treatment. cTBS is a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation that is investigated as a potential intervention in several neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Design/Methods We updated the meta-analysis of Ye et al. (August 2024) by retaining all eligible studies included by Ye et al. and extending the search to cover till August 2025. The same databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) using identical keywords and Boolean operators to ensure methodological consistency as was in the original review.

Results Analysis of the 5 RCTs chosen (n = 291) demonstrated that active cTBS significantly reduced auditory hallucination severity compared to sham controls assessed from PSYRAT- AH score [WMD = –2.88, 95% CI: –4.91 to –0.84; P = 0.006]. Significant improvement in primary outcome was observed with >10 stimulation sessions and >9000 total pulses [WMD = –3.51, 95% CI: –6.04 to –0.98; P = 0.007], and when cTBS was applied to bilateral temporo-parietal cortex [WMD = –2.10, 95% CI: –3.57 to –0.63; P = 0.005]. Active cTBS also improved PANSS positive scores [WMD = –1.76, 95% CI: –3.31 to –0.21; P = 0.03], though no significant effects were noted for PANSS negative scores or the P3 (hallucinatory behavior) item. Adverse events such as headache or local pain did not differ significantly between both the groups.

Conclusions Active cTBS is a safe and effective adjunctive intervention for reducing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, particularly with higher treatment intensity and bilateral temporo-parietal stimulation.

Authors/Disclosures
Afshan Mumtaz, MBBS PRESENTER	Dr. Mumtaz has nothing to disclose.
Akuti Khanna	Miss Khanna has nothing to disclose.
ZEESHAN SHERIFF, MD	Dr. SHERIFF has nothing to disclose.
Harshith Venkata Sai Dova, MBBS	Dr. Dova has nothing to disclose.
Abhinaya Shrangare, MBBS	Dr. Shrangare has nothing to disclose.
Melanie M. Francis, MBBS	Dr. Francis has nothing to disclose.
Soura Rajeshwara, MBBS	An immediate family member of Dr. Rajeshwara has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Amazon.
Ansu Paloh, MBBS	Miss Paloh has nothing to disclose.
Mikhail Burke, MD	Dr. Burke has nothing to disclose.
PRAGYA MAHARJAN, MBBS	Dr. MAHARJAN has nothing to disclose.
Kush Raval, MBBS	Mr. Raval has nothing to disclose.
Abiheshan Thiruchelvam, MD	Dr. Thiruchelvam has nothing to disclose.
Khooshi B. Patel	Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose.
Pranati Gudipati, MBBS	Dr. Gudipati has nothing to disclose.
Amarachi O. Ejindu, MBBS	Dr. Ejindu has nothing to disclose.
Ali Salman, MBBS	Dr. Salman has nothing to disclose.

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