Abstract
BackgroundBoth brain structural abnormalities and neurocognitive impairments are core features of schizophrenia. We have previously reported enlargements in subcortical brain structure volumes and impairment of neurocognitive functioning as measured by the MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery (MCCB) in early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (EOS). To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated whether neurocognitive performance and volumetric abnormalities in subcortical brain structures are related in EOS.MethodsTwenty-four patients with EOS and 33 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Relationships between the caudate nucleus, the lateral and fourth ventricles volumes and neurocognitive performance were investigated with multivariate linear regression analyses. Intracranial volume, age, antipsychotic medication and IQ were included as independent predictor-variables.ResultsThe caudate volume was negatively correlated with verbal learning performance uniquely in the EOS group (r=-.454, p=.034). There were comparable positive correlations between the lateral ventricular volume and the processing speed, attention and reasoning and problem solving domains for both the EOS patients and the healthy controls. Antipsychotic medication was related to ventricular enlargements, but did not affect the brain structure-function relationship.ConclusionEnlargement of the caudate volume was related to poorer verbal learning performance in patients with EOS. Despite a 32% enlargement of the lateral ventricles in the EOS group, associations to processing speed, attention and reasoning and problem solving were similar for both the EOS and the HC groups.
Highlights
Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain in which structural abnormalities and impairment of neurocognitive function are features that may reflect underlying neurodevelopmental pathology [1,2,3,4]
The caudate volume was negatively correlated with verbal learning performance uniquely in the early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (EOS) group (r=-.454, p = .034)
Enlargement of the caudate volume was related to poorer verbal learning performance in patients with EOS
Summary
Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain in which structural abnormalities and impairment of neurocognitive function are features that may reflect underlying neurodevelopmental pathology [1,2,3,4]. Studies of patients with adult onset schizophrenia have reported relationships between the size of specific subcortical brain structure volumes and the severity of cognitive dysfunctions [10,11,12,13]. Recent reports conclude that better symptomatic and functional outcomes were recorded for EOS patients compared to adult onset schizophrenia when detected early and given specialized treatment [19]. Both brain structural abnormalities and neurocognitive impairments are core features of schizophrenia. We have previously reported enlargements in subcortical brain structure volumes and impairment of neurocognitive functioning as measured by the MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery (MCCB) in early onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (EOS).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.