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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI)
Published on: November 27, 2019
White matter reduction in patients with schizophrenia as revealed by voxel-based morphometry: an activation
Xin Di1, Raymond C K Chan, Qi-yong Gong
1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Schizophrenia is thought to be a mental disorder caused by the disconnection of brain regions. Cumulative evidence of white matter deficit in patients with schizophrenia has been reported using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), but these studies have not been quantitatively reviewed. In the study reported herein, we used activation likelihood estimation (ALE) analysis to quantitatively estimate focal white matter abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia. Seventeen studies that compared the white matter deficit of patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls were ascertained. The frontal white matter regions and internal capsule revealed consistent white matter reduction in patient groups relative to healthy controls, suggesting a clear focal white matter deficit in patients with schizophrenia. These results support the macro-circuit theory of white matter change in schizophrenia.
Insights
This study quantitatively reviewed white matter deficits in schizophrenia, finding consistent reductions in frontal white matter and internal capsule in patients. These findings support the macro-circuit theory of schizophrenia, highlighting brain disconnection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a mental disorder linked to brain region disconnection.
- Previous studies using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) suggest white matter deficits in schizophrenia patients.
- A quantitative review of these VBM studies was lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively estimate focal white matter abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia.
- To systematically review existing literature on white matter deficits in schizophrenia.
- To provide evidence supporting or refuting the macro-circuit theory of schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) analysis was employed.
- Seventeen studies comparing white matter deficits in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls were included.
- Meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) data was performed.
Main Results:
- Consistent white matter reduction was observed in the frontal white matter regions.
- The internal capsule also showed significant white matter reduction in patients.
- These abnormalities were consistently found across the included studies.
Conclusions:
- Patients with schizophrenia exhibit clear focal white matter deficits.
- The findings support the macro-circuit theory, implicating white matter changes in brain disconnection in schizophrenia.
- This meta-analysis provides a quantitative overview of white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia.
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