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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

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01-08-2008 | ORIGINAL PAPER

White matter alterations in schizophrenic patients with pronounced negative symptomatology and with positive family history for schizophrenia

Authors: Thomas Zetzsche, MD, Ulrich W. Preuss, MD, Thomas Frodl, MD, Gerda Leinsinger, MD, Christine Born, MD, Maximilian Reiser, MD, Ulrich Hegerl, MD, Hans-Jürgen Möller, MD, Eva M. Meisenzahl, MD

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Issue 5/2008

Abstract

Background

In recent years, in vivo and post-mortem studies detected structural brain changes in schizophrenia. The aim of our analysis was to investigate potential changes of white matter in schizophrenic patients compared to controls, and the relationship to clinical characteristics.

Methods

Fifty male, right-handed schizophrenic patients who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia were recruited. Fifty right-handed, age- and sex-matched subjects without a psychiatric disorder were enrolled as controls. Volumes of white matter in several brain regions were measured by 1.5 T MRI using a volumetry and segmentation software (BRAINS). Regions of interest including frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital and subcortical areas were determined using Talairach spaces.

Results

No significant differences in white matter volumes of total brain tissue and regions of interest were detected between patients and controls. A significant reduction of white matter in parietal cortex of right hemisphere was found in a subgroup of patients with pronounced negative symptoms. Furthermore, patients with first-grade relatives suffering from schizophrenia showed a reduction of subcortical white matter in the right hemisphere.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that subgroups of schizophrenic patients show alterations of white matter in distinct brain regions, including the right parietal lobe.

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Title: White matter alterations in schizophrenic patients with pronounced negative symptomatology and with positive family history for schizophrenia
Authors: Thomas Zetzsche, MD
Ulrich W. Preuss, MD
Thomas Frodl, MD
Gerda Leinsinger, MD
Christine Born, MD
Maximilian Reiser, MD
Ulrich Hegerl, MD
Hans-Jürgen Möller, MD
Eva M. Meisenzahl, MD
Publication date: 01-08-2008
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue 5/2008
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-007-0793-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

White matter alterations in schizophrenic patients with pronounced negative symptomatology and with positive family history for schizophrenia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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