Stability of emotional dysfunctions? A long-term fMRI study in first-episode schizophrenia

摘要: Abstract Objective Patients with schizophrenia are characterized by emotional symptoms such as flattened affect which accompanied cerebral dysfunctions. This study aimed at determining changes of mood-related neural correlates under standardized pharmacological therapy in first-episode schizophrenia. Method Using fMRI a longitudinal approach, 10 patients (6 males) and healthy subjects (same education, gender age) were investigated during sad happy mood induction using facial expressions. Reassessments carried out following 6 months antipsychotic treatment. Data analysis focussed on therapy-related activation stable, therapy-independent group differences. Results According to self ratings, was successfull both groups did not reveal time-dependent changes. revealed stable hypoactivations core brain regions processing like the anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal temporal areas well hippocampus. Therapy-related signal increases pre- postcentral, inferior frontal restricted sadness. Discussion Stable dysfunctions unaffected symptom improvement found cortico-limbic crucially involved emotion processing. They presumably reflect patients’ difficulties regulation memory processes. However, also observed demonstrate efficacy improving functionality. may represent an increased usage autobiographic memories improved strategy experience mirroring someone else’s emotions.