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Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
[Mismatch negativity in schizophrenia research. An indicator of early processing disorders of acoustic information]
T Rosburg1, I Kreitschmann-Andermahr, H Sauer
1Klinik für Psychiatrie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Deutschland. timm.rosburg@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Abstract:
Mismatch negativity (MMN) represents an event-related component of the auditory evoked potentials at about 100-250 ms, evoked by discernible changes in an ongoing uniform acoustic stimulation. The current paper reviews all recently published MMN studies in the field of schizophrenia research. A reduced MMN in schizophrenic patients is found in the majority of the studies. This deficit is likely to be related to the disorder, since antipsychotic medication seems to have little influence on these results. Interestingly, a reduced MMN is also found in first-degree relatives of patients. Clear evidence for a hemispheric lateralization of the MMN reduction in schizophrenic patients is lacking. A hypofunction of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is discussed as a possible explanation of this deficit.
Insights
Schizophrenia patients often exhibit reduced mismatch negativity (MMN), an auditory evoked potential. This auditory processing deficit may be linked to NMDA receptor hypofunction and is observed in relatives, suggesting a genetic component.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Auditory Evoked Potentials
Context:
- Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder.
- Auditory processing deficits are common in schizophrenia.
- Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a sensitive electrophysiological marker.
Purpose:
- To review recent studies on MMN in schizophrenia research.
- To synthesize findings on MMN reduction in schizophrenia patients and their relatives.
- To explore potential neurobiological underpinnings of MMN deficits.
Summary:
- The majority of reviewed studies report reduced MMN in schizophrenia patients.
- This MMN deficit appears independent of antipsychotic medication.
- Reduced MMN is also observed in first-degree relatives of patients, suggesting a potential genetic link.
- Evidence for hemispheric lateralization of MMN reduction is inconclusive.
- NMDA receptor hypofunction is proposed as a possible explanation for the observed MMN deficit.
Impact:
- Highlights MMN as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia.
- Suggests a role for NMDA receptor dysfunction in schizophrenia pathophysiology.
- Informs future research directions for understanding auditory processing in schizophrenia and related disorders.
