New Delhi, Feb 26: A comprehensive review has highlighted that brain development during childhood appears to be less flexible in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in regions responsible for linking thought and emotions. The findings, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, offer a neurobiological perspective on the disorder, which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception of reality.
Researchers from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, noted that nearly 80% of schizophrenia patients exhibit cognitive impairments. The symptoms vary significantly among individuals—some primarily experience disturbances in perception, while others struggle with cognitive dysfunctions.
"In this sense, there is not one schizophrenia, but many, each with different neurobiological profiles," said Wolfgang Omlor, senior physician at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich and lead author of the study.
The review identified a consistent pattern of brain folding in the mid-frontal region—an area crucial for attention, working memory, and language—suggesting a common developmental trait among schizophrenia patients. Brain folding, which occurs in the cerebral cortex, plays a key role in complex cognitive functions. The study indicates that this process is largely completed in early childhood, but in schizophrenia patients, its flexibility is reduced, particularly in areas that integrate thinking and emotional responses.
Additionally, researchers observed structural differences in patients' brains, which may explain the variability in symptoms. These findings could aid in developing more personalized treatment strategies.
"While uniform brain folding may indicate possible mechanisms of disease development, regions with high variability in brain structure may be relevant for the development of individualized treatment strategies," said Philipp Homan, professor at the University of Zurich.
The analysis was based on brain scans from over 4,500 schizophrenia patients, offering a large-scale insight into the neurodevelopmental aspects of the disorder. These findings may pave the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions in the future.
Researchers from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, noted that nearly 80% of schizophrenia patients exhibit cognitive impairments. The symptoms vary significantly among individuals—some primarily experience disturbances in perception, while others struggle with cognitive dysfunctions.
"In this sense, there is not one schizophrenia, but many, each with different neurobiological profiles," said Wolfgang Omlor, senior physician at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich and lead author of the study.
The review identified a consistent pattern of brain folding in the mid-frontal region—an area crucial for attention, working memory, and language—suggesting a common developmental trait among schizophrenia patients. Brain folding, which occurs in the cerebral cortex, plays a key role in complex cognitive functions. The study indicates that this process is largely completed in early childhood, but in schizophrenia patients, its flexibility is reduced, particularly in areas that integrate thinking and emotional responses.
Additionally, researchers observed structural differences in patients' brains, which may explain the variability in symptoms. These findings could aid in developing more personalized treatment strategies.
"While uniform brain folding may indicate possible mechanisms of disease development, regions with high variability in brain structure may be relevant for the development of individualized treatment strategies," said Philipp Homan, professor at the University of Zurich.
The analysis was based on brain scans from over 4,500 schizophrenia patients, offering a large-scale insight into the neurodevelopmental aspects of the disorder. These findings may pave the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions in the future.
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