Quantitative MRI measures of orbitofrontal cortex in patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Matthew J. Hoptman, Jan Volavka, Elisabeth M. Weiss, Pál Czobor, Philip R. Szeszko, Guido Gerig, Miranda Chakos, Joseph Blocher, Leslie L. Citrome, Jean Pierre Lindenmayer, Brian Sheitman, Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Robert M. Bilder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relationship between orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) volumes and functional domains in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder is poorly understood. OFC dysfunction is implicated in several of the behaviors that are abnormal in schizophrenia. However, little is known about the relationship between these behaviors and OFC volumes. Forty-nine patients received magnetic resonance imaging scanning as part of a double-blind treatment study in which psychiatric symptomatology, neuropsychological function, and aggression were measured. OFC volumes were manually traced on anatomical images. Psychiatric symptomatology was measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Aggression was measured with the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) and with the PANSS. Neuropsychological function was assessed using a comprehensive test battery. Larger right OFC volumes were associated with poorer neuropsychological function. Larger left OFC gray matter volumes and larger OFC white matter volumes bilaterally were associated with greater levels of aggression. These findings are discussed in the context of potential iatrogenic effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-145
Number of pages13
JournalPsychiatry Research - Neuroimaging
Volume140
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 Nov 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Neuropsychological function
  • Orbitofrontal cortex
  • Schizophrenia

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