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Cortical morphological alterations in methamphetamine-induced psychosis: a surface-based morphometry study
Danlin Shen1, Dan Luo1, Mingfeng Lai1
1Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No. 28 Dian Xin Nan Jie, Wuhou District, Chengdu, China.
Background:
Methamphetamine (METH)-induced psychosis (MAP), characterized by transient schizophreniform symptoms, affects approximately 43% of individuals with methamphetamine use disorders (MUD). However, the cortical atrophy pattern associated with MAP remain unclear.
Methods:
Ninety-four male patients with MUD (62 without psychotic symptoms [MA] and 32 MAP) and 61 healthy controls (HCs) underwent high-resolution T1-weighted MRI and clinical assessments. Surface-based morphological (SBM) analysis using FreeSurfer 7.1.1 was conducted to explore cortical thickness and volume difference among groups. We also examined the correlation between brain structural changes and clinical variables.
Results:
The MAP group showed significant cortical thinning in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) whether compared to HCs and MA. Additionally, compared to the HCs, the MA group exhibited decreased cortical volume in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus (cMFG) and the superior parietal cortex (SPC). In the MUD cohort, left cMFG volume was positively correlated with craving severity (VAS score, r = 0.341, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
MAP is associated with distinct region-specific cortical thinning, particularly in temporal and limbic regions, suggesting a structural basis for its psychotic features. These findings provide new insight into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying MAP and may inform future intervention strategies.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
Insights
Methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MAP) is linked to specific cortical thinning in temporal and limbic regions. These brain changes offer insights into the neurobiology of psychosis in methamphetamine use disorders (MUD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) affects millions, with a significant portion experiencing methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MAP).
- The specific patterns of cortical atrophy in MAP remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these structural changes is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct cortical atrophy patterns in individuals with MUD, differentiating between those with and without psychotic symptoms (MAP vs. MA).
- To identify specific brain regions affected by cortical thinning and volume reduction in MAP.
- To explore correlations between observed brain structural changes and clinical variables like craving severity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution T1-weighted MRI scans from 94 male MUD patients (62 MA, 32 MAP) and 61 healthy controls (HCs).
- Employed surface-based morphological (SBM) analysis with FreeSurfer to assess cortical thickness and volume differences.
- Correlated structural brain changes with clinical assessments, including craving severity.
Main Results:
- MAP patients exhibited significant cortical thinning in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) compared to both HCs and MA.
- The MA group showed decreased cortical volume in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus (cMFG) and superior parietal cortex (SPC) relative to HCs.
- A positive correlation was found between left cMFG volume and craving severity (VAS score) in the MUD cohort.
Conclusions:
- MAP is associated with distinct, region-specific cortical thinning in temporal and limbic areas, indicating a structural basis for psychotic symptoms.
- These findings enhance our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of MAP.
- The identified structural differences may guide the development of future therapeutic strategies for MUD and MAP.
