Structural and functional imaging markers for susceptibility to psychosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Clinical high-risk (CHR) criteria enable early detection of individuals vulnerable to psychosis.
• A significant proportion (two-thirds) of CHR individuals do not transition to a psychotic disorder.
• Improved prognostic precision is crucial for effective intervention in CHR populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on neuroimaging biomarkers for predicting psychotic transition in CHR patients.
• To evaluate the prognostic utility and limitations of these neuroimaging biomarkers.
• To identify future research directions for clinical applicability.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on structural and functional neuroimaging in CHR individuals.
• Focus on studies investigating neuroimaging as a predictor of psychotic transition.
• Analysis of the prognostic value and limitations of identified neuroimaging biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Structural and functional neuroimaging show potential as tools for predicting psychotic transition in CHR patients.
• Current research highlights the utility of various neuroimaging biomarkers.
• Significant limitations exist regarding generalizability, replicability, and standardization.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging biomarkers hold promise for enhancing prognostic accuracy in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.
• Large-scale, multimodal, and multicenter studies are necessary to overcome current limitations.
• Standardization of clinical definitions, neuroimaging methods, and consideration of contextual factors are vital for clinical translation.