Related Experiment Videos
DTI and impulsivity in schizophrenia: a first voxelwise correlational analysis
Matthew J Hoptman1, Babak A Ardekani, Pamela D Butler
1Division of Clinical Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA. Hoptman@nki.rfmh.org
Neuroreport
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Schizophrenia patients show altered white matter (WM) integrity linked to impulsivity. Brain imaging reveals widespread WM differences, particularly in frontal and temporal regions, affecting impulsivity control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- White Matter Integrity
Background:
- Impulsivity in schizophrenia is linked to white matter (WM) compromise.
- Previous research focused on inferior frontal WM, but wider implications are suspected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the widespread relationship between WM integrity and impulsivity in men with schizophrenia.
- To identify specific brain regions involved in modulating impulsivity.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter integrity.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) values from 25 men with schizophrenia were analyzed.
- Voxelwise correlation analysis was performed between FA and impulsivity scores.
Main Results:
- Negative correlations between FA and impulsivity were found in the inferior frontal WM, anterior cingulate, caudate, insula, and inferior parietal lobule.
- Positive correlations were observed in the left postcentral gyrus, right superior/middle temporal gyrus, and bilateral fusiform gyrus.
- These findings suggest a fronto-temporo-limbic circuit influencing impulsivity.
Conclusions:
- WM integrity in multiple brain regions is associated with impulsivity in schizophrenia.
- The voxelwise correlation method is a valuable tool for generating hypotheses about neural networks underlying behavior.