Changes in Brain Connectivity in People with Schizophrenia
Author Information
Author(s): Williams John C., Tubiolo Philip N., Gil Roberto B., Zheng Zu Jie, Silver-Frankel Eilon B., Haubold Natalka K., Abeykoon Sameera K., Pham Dathy T., Ojeil Najate, Bobchin Kelly, Slifstein Mark, Weinstein Jodi J., Perlman Greg, Horga Guillermo, Abi-Dargham Anissa, Van Snellenberg Jared X.
Primary Institution: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Hypothesis
Does auditory thalamocortical connectivity differ between unmedicated people with schizophrenia and healthy controls?
Conclusion
Visual thalamocortical hyperconnectivity is a marker of schizophrenia, while auditory hyperconnectivity relates to positive symptom severity.
Supporting Evidence
- Auditory thalamocortical connectivity was not significantly different between people with schizophrenia and healthy controls.
- Visual thalamocortical connectivity was significantly greater in people with schizophrenia relative to healthy controls.
- Hyperconnectivity in auditory thalamocortical circuits relates to positive symptom severity.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the brain connects in people with schizophrenia compared to healthy people, finding that those with schizophrenia have different connections in the visual parts of the brain.
Methodology
The study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain connectivity in 82 unmedicated people with schizophrenia and 55 matched healthy controls.
Limitations
The sample was heterogeneous in symptom severity, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18-60 years, matched on age, sex, and parental socioeconomic status.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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