Brain ventricular volume changes in schizophrenia. A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Brain ventricles are key structures in psychotic illness research.
• Understanding ventricle dynamics is crucial for schizophrenia pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on brain ventricle changes in schizophrenia.
• To correlate ventricle changes with psychopathology.
• To explore the pathophysiological basis of ventricle alterations.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review of existing literature.
• Analysis of studies from high-risk subjects to chronic schizophrenia patients.

Main Results:

• Evidence on brain ventricle changes across the schizophrenia spectrum is presented.
• Findings link ventricle alterations to psychopathology levels.

Conclusions:

• Ventricle changes dynamics offer insights into schizophrenia's neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative aspects.
• Further understanding may clarify schizophrenia's underlying processes.