Suicidal Behaviour Prior to First Episode Psychosis: Wider and More Widespread Grey-Matter Alterations

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• The prodromal phase of First Episode Psychosis (FEP) carries a heightened risk of Suicidal Behaviors (SBs).
• Identifying neurobiological markers during this phase is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pinpoint specific structural brain abnormalities associated with SBs preceding FEP onset.
• To explore the relationship between pre-FEP SBs and grey matter (GM) alterations.

Main Methods:

• Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) using CAT12 toolbox in SPM12.
• Analysis of Grey Matter (GM) volume differences.
• Controlled for covariates: gender, age, handedness, intracranial volume, depression severity, and global cognitive functioning.

Main Results:

• Significant GM reductions identified in the left superior temporal gyrus, dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, cuneus, and anterior cerebellum.
• Further reductions observed in the right and left amygdala.
• These areas are implicated in emotional regulation, social cognition, and pain processing.

Conclusions:

• Pre-FEP SBs are linked to more extensive and widespread brain GM alterations.
• These structural abnormalities may serve as potential early biomarkers for suicide risk in individuals at risk for psychosis.
• Findings highlight the role of specific brain regions in cognitive and emotional dysregulation preceding psychosis onset.