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Published on: December 18, 2016
Cerebral asymmetry in schizophrenia
Viola Oertel-Knöchel1, David E J Linden
1Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine, and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Summary
Brain asymmetry, or laterality, is crucial for cognitive functions. This review explores how altered brain asymmetry relates to schizophrenia and other mental disorders, examining genetic and animal model research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Human brain hemispheres exhibit anatomical and functional asymmetry (laterality).
- Laterality is fundamental to cognitive and motor functions like language and handedness.
- Hemispheric asymmetry is a key concept in neuropsychological and pathophysiological models of mental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review anatomical, psychological, and physiological approaches to understanding hemispheric functions and integration.
- To examine the role of hemispheric laterality in schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
- To discuss recent research on the genetics of laterality and its connection to schizophrenia animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on brain asymmetry and laterality.
- Analysis of neuropsychological and pathophysiological models.
- Examination of genetic and population studies.
- Inclusion of findings from animal models of schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- Reduced hemispheric asymmetry is observed in schizophrenia and other mental disorders like bipolar disorder.
- Hemispheric laterality is central to understanding the neurobiology of mental illness.
- Growing interest in the genetic underpinnings of laterality and its relation to psychiatric conditions.
Conclusions:
- Changes in brain asymmetry are significant in schizophrenia and other mental disorders.
- Further research into the genetics of laterality may offer insights into mental disorder etiology.
- Understanding hemispheric integration is vital for advancing neuropsychiatric research.
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