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Changes in distributed neural circuitry function in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.
A Mendrek1, K R Laurens, K A Kiehl
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin, 7331 Hochelaga, Montreal, Québec H1N 3V2, Canada. amendrek@crfs.umontreal.ca
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|September 2, 2004
Summary
Schizophrenia brain imaging reveals stable left-sided circuit dysfunction, distinguishing trait markers. Right-sided and cingulate gyrus issues fluctuate, indicating state markers in this working memory study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatric disorders
- Cognitive neuroscience
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with widespread functional brain abnormalities.
- Distinguishing between trait (stable) and state (fluctuating) markers is crucial for understanding schizophrenia.
- Previous research has identified various brain dysfunctions in schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify stable (trait) versus fluctuating (state) regional brain dysfunctions in schizophrenia.
- To investigate the neural correlates of working memory in first-episode schizophrenia.
- To differentiate between enduring and transient brain abnormalities in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity during a working memory task.
- A cohort of first-episode schizophrenia patients and matched controls were scanned twice, 6-8 weeks apart.
- Patients were in partial remission at the second scanning session.
Main Results:
- Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left thalamus, and right cerebellum dysfunction persisted in schizophrenia patients compared to controls.
- Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, right thalamus, left cerebellum, and cingulate gyrus dysfunction normalized in patients by the second scan.
- Symptom reduction correlated with the normalization of right-sided and cingulate gyrus brain function.
Conclusions:
- Left fronto-thalamo-cerebellar circuitry dysfunction appears to be a stable trait marker of schizophrenia.
- Right fronto-thalamo-cerebellar circuitry and cingulate gyrus dysfunction are predominantly state-related phenomena.
- These findings help differentiate stable biological underpinnings from transient symptom-related changes in schizophrenia.