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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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Open Access 01-11-2011 | Review

Schizophrenia as a disorder of disconnectivity

Authors: Andrea Schmitt, Alkomiet Hasan, Oliver Gruber, Peter Falkai

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Special Issue 2/2011

Abstract

Schizophrenia is considered as a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Animal models show that developmental hippocampal lesions are causing disconnectivity of the prefrontal cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging and postmortem investigations revealed deficits in the temporoprefrontal neuronal circuit. Decreased oligodendrocyte numbers and expression of oligodendrocyte genes and synaptic proteins may contribute to disturbances of micro- and macro-circuitry in the pathophysiology of the disease. Functional connectivity between cortical areas can be investigated with high temporal resolution using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). In this review, disconnectivity between different cortical areas in schizophrenia patients is described. The specificity and the neurobiological origin of these connectivity deficits and the relation to the symptom complex of schizophrenia and the glutamatergic and GABAergic system are discussed.

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Title: Schizophrenia as a disorder of disconnectivity
Authors: Andrea Schmitt
Alkomiet Hasan
Oliver Gruber
Peter Falkai
Publication date: 01-11-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue Special Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-011-0242-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Schizophrenia as a disorder of disconnectivity

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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