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Effects of auditory hallucinations on the mismatch negativity (MMN) in schizophrenia as measured by a modified
Derek J Fisher1, Bryan Grant, Dylan M Smith
1Department of Psychology/Institute of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Derek.Fisher@rohcg.on.ca
Unlabelled:
The recently developed Optimal-3 multi-feature MMN paradigm, a shortened version of the 'optimal' multi-feature MMN paradigm, allows for the focused recording of the most widely reported MMN deviants (frequency, duration, intensity) within an efficient and time-saving paradigm. The objective of this study was to examine MMN acoustic change detection in schizophrenia (SZ), and elucidate its association with auditory verbal hallucinations (AH), using the Optimal-3.
Methods:
MMN to duration, frequency and intensity deviants were recorded in 12 SZ outpatients (SZs) with persistent AHs and 12 matched healthy controls (HC). Electrical activity was recorded from 32 scalp electrodes; MMN amplitudes and latencies for each deviant were compared between groups and were correlated with trait (PSYRATS) and state measures of AH severity and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) ratings in SZs.
Results:
SZs showed a significantly smaller duration MMN compared to HCs. Furthermore, in SZs attenuated duration MMN amplitudes were correlated with increased PSYRATS scores, as well as increased PANSS positive symptom, hallucination item and general psychoticism ratings, while attenuated intensity MMN amplitudes were correlated with increased PSYRATS scores.
Conclusions:
This is the first study to examine MMN in SZ within the modified (Optimal-3) multi-feature MMN paradigm. This study corroborates previous research reporting a robust duration MMN deficit in SZ and supports previous findings suggesting that AHs may contribute to MMN deficits in SZ.
Insights
Schizophrenia patients exhibit a reduced duration MMN response, linked to auditory verbal hallucinations severity. This study highlights MMN deficits in schizophrenia using the Optimal-3 paradigm.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Auditory Perception
Background:
- The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory evoked potential reflecting automatic change detection.
- Schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with MMN abnormalities, potentially linked to auditory verbal hallucinations (AH).
- The Optimal-3 paradigm offers an efficient method for assessing MMN to frequency, duration, and intensity deviants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MMN acoustic change detection in schizophrenia patients with AHs.
- To explore the relationship between MMN deficits and the severity of AHs in SZ.
- To utilize the novel Optimal-3 multi-feature MMN paradigm.
Main Methods:
- MMN responses to duration, frequency, and intensity deviants were recorded in 12 SZ patients with AHs and 12 healthy controls (HC).
- Electrical activity was captured using 32 scalp electrodes.
- MMN amplitudes and latencies were compared between groups and correlated with AH severity (PSYRATS) and PANSS ratings.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients demonstrated significantly smaller duration MMN amplitudes compared to healthy controls.
- In SZ patients, attenuated duration MMN amplitudes correlated with higher PSYRATS scores and PANSS ratings.
- Attenuated intensity MMN amplitudes in SZ patients also correlated with increased PSYRATS scores.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to use the Optimal-3 MMN paradigm in schizophrenia research.
- Findings confirm a significant duration MMN deficit in schizophrenia.
- The results support the hypothesis that auditory verbal hallucinations contribute to MMN deficits in schizophrenia.
