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Published on: August 2, 2021
Functional brain networks in treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Eleni P Ganella1, Cali F Bartholomeusz2, Caio Seguin3
1Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Victoria, Australia; The Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Mental Health, Victoria, Australia; North Western Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is linked to reduced brain connectivity and altered network efficiency. These findings shed light on the neurobiology of TRS, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) affects up to 20% of patients.
- Few studies have investigated resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in TRS.
- This study examines functional brain networks in TRS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate disruptions in functional connectivity (FC) in TRS.
- To analyze altered efficiency of functional brain networks in TRS.
- To compare rs-FC in TRS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was used.
- 42 TRS patients on clozapine and 42 healthy controls participated.
- Graph analysis characterized network efficiency and FC strength.
Main Results:
- Global FC was significantly reduced in TRS patients.
- TRS showed reduced strength in fronto-temporal, fronto-occipital, and temporo-occipital connections.
- Global efficiency decreased, while local efficiency increased in TRS.
Conclusions:
- TRS is associated with widespread reductions in rs-FC and altered network topology.
- Preferential disruption of hub-to-hub connections is suggested by altered local and global efficiency.
- Findings enhance understanding of neurobiological impairments in TRS.
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