Altered functional connectivity in brain networks underlying self-referential processing in delusions of reference in
Sara Larivière1, Katie M Lavigne1, Todd S Woodward1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Psychiatry Research. Neuroimaging
|March 19, 2017
Summary
Schizophrenia delusions of reference involve misattributing self-relevance. Brain imaging reveals distinct cortical midline structure (CMS) network activity, with hyperactivity in the anterior CMS network linked to delusion intensity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Delusions of reference in schizophrenia are linked to misattributions of self-relevance.
- Cortical midline structures (CMS) are implicated in self-referential processing in schizophrenia.
- The specific role of CMS network patterns in current delusions of reference requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify functional brain networks underlying self-referential processing.
- To determine if CMS network activation patterns differ in schizophrenia patients with and without current delusions of reference.
- To explore the relationship between CMS network activity and the intensity of delusions of reference.
Main Methods:
- Task-based multivariate functional connectivity analysis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Comparison of healthy controls (n=15) with schizophrenia patients with (n=14) and without (n=13) current delusions of reference.
- Presentation of ambiguous statements to assess self-referential evaluation.
Main Results:
- Two distinct CMS networks were identified during self-referential processing.
- Non-delusional patients showed muted deactivation in a posterior CMS network.
- Delusional patients exhibited hyperactivity in an anterior CMS network, correlating with delusion intensity.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia is associated with distinct functional CMS networks during self-referential processing.
- Hyperactivity in the anterior CMS network may be a neural correlate of delusions of reference.
- Findings suggest a specific neural mechanism underlying delusions of reference in schizophrenia.
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