Structural brain imaging and the prevention of schizophrenia: can we identify neuroanatomical markers for young people at risk for the development of schizophrenia?

Abstract

To examine the potential role of measures derived from structural brain imaging as phenotypic markers for the development of schizophrenia. Literature review of results of MRI-based assessments of brain structure in patients with schizophrenia, their first-degree relatives and factors that affect interpretation of such results. Reliable differences in brain structure can be detected in patients with schizophrenia, including those experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Further research is required to determine whether these differences are progressive, how they relate to potential confounding factors such as comorbid substance abuse and the functional consequences of the relatively subtle changes observed. Further research is needed before structural brain change can be considered as a phenotypic marker for those at risk of developing schizophrenia. Large-scale collaborative research in clinical and normal volunteer groups using standardised assessment protocols would enable the early identification of those findings with predictive power in at-risk populations.