Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hydrogen protons are excited by radio-frequency pulses, and when the frequency is stopped, the protons emit energy as they return to their former state. Computer analysis of the emitted energy depicts a spacial image of the distribution of specific elements such as bone, blood and air. A related imaging technique, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), is a non-surgical method of measuring neurochemical processes by the study of the specific absorption (in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum) of chemical bonds within molecules. MRI studies comparing ventricle size or differences in the corpus callosum of schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic subjects have yielded inconsistent results. The normal variations between people in terms of callosal structure (as a function of age, sex, brain size and handedness) tend to obscure differences between schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic subjects. One detailed study reported reductions in frontal-lobe area and in cerebral and cranial size in male schizophrenics. However, other studies have not been able to replicate these findings. Structural abnormalities have been found in the left temporal lobes of schizophrenic patients. Also, MRI techniques have revealed significantly more cerebral and cerebellar atrophy in the brains of schizophrenic patients than in the brains of non-schizophrenics. Phosphorus (P) is the proton most extensively researched with MRS. There have only been two studies involving P MRS and schizophrenia, and they have provided inconsistent and inconclusive data. However, MRI and MRS studies of schizophrenia are relatively new, and their potential is being continually improved by advances in computer image analysis techniques. Because no radioactivity is involved in MRI or MRS, long-term studies evaluating structural or biochemical changes over the course of schizophrenia will now be possible. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Innovations, Physiological aspects, Brain, Magnetic resonance imaging, Nuclear magnetic resonance

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Season of birth in schizophrenia: evidence for confinement of an excess of wither births to patients without a family history of mental disorder

Article Abstract:

The finding that schizophrenics are more likely to be born in the winter is well replicated but it is not yet known why this seasonal variation occurs. Among the theories is that there is some environmental factor that varies seasonally, such as an infectious disease. Several studies attempting to validate this environmental damage hypothesis have found correlations between seasonal variations in the prevalence of infectious diseases and incidence of births of schizophrenics. To test this hypothesis with data from known schizophrenics and larger samples than used previously, records of 561 schizophrenic patients were reviewed. There was an excess of 9 percent of schizophrenics born during the winter months but the difference between the winter months and other months was not statistically significant. However, when compared with patients for whom there was a family history of psychiatric illness prior to the patient's birth, it was found that those without a family history of psychiatric illness were 34 percent more likely to be born in the winter months and less likely to be born in the spring. It was therefore concluded that schizophrenics with a low genetic risk for developing schizophrenia were more likely to be born in the winter than those at high genetic risk. This is consistent with the findings of other studies, but there are also studies in which no such relationship was found. The results of the present study support the notion that an environmental factor is responsible for the higher incidence of schizophrenics born during winter months, suggesting that this may be even more true for those without a family history of psychiatric disorder. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Risk factors, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Seasonal variations (Diseases)

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Obstetric complications, the putative familial-sporadic distinction, and tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

The familial-sporadic distinction in schizophrenia is a research strategy used to assess clues for potential risk factors for schizophrenia; it is based on the fact that schizophrenic patients can be usefully divided into those with and those without (sporadic) affected relatives. One argument against this approach is that sporadic cases may often be the result of obstetric complications (OCs), which seem to be excessive among the histories of schizophrenic patients. To investigate potential clinical manifestations of OCs in schizophrenia, and to assess relationships between OCs and risk for tardive dyskinesia (TD; a neuromotor impairment induced by the long-term use of antipsychotic drugs), 45 schizophrenic patients were evaluated. Sixteen women and 29 men (average age, 32 years) with an average schizophrenic illness duration of over nine years, were assessed neurologically, and in terms of demographic information, clinical history, cognitive function and motor coordination. Each patient's biological mother was interviewed in relation to obstetric and family psychiatric history. Obstetric complications were found in 15 of the 45 patients. OCs were significantly more common among patients without a family history of schizophrenia. Patients who had a history of OC showed a younger age at onset of schizophrenic illness. TD was more common in patients who had relatives with schizophrenia, making it appear that familial factors contribute to risk for TD. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Models, Complications and side effects, Genetic aspects, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth), Antipsychotic drugs, Antipsychotic agents, Tardive dyskinesia, Drug-induced dyskinesia

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