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Improvement of prefrontal brain function in schizophrenia under atypical neuroleptic treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

A.J. Fallgatter
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
M.J. Herrmann
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
A.C. Ehlis
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany

Abstract

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Background and Aims

Various cognitive activation tasks in schizophrenic patients have demonstrated an altered function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) interconnecting the prefrontal cortex with limbic areas. This prefrontal dysfunction is a main target of antipsychotic treatment, as it is considered to be involved in both negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Two- (NoGo-anteriorization; NGA) and three-dimensional topographical measures (source locations with the Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography; LORETA) of the event-related potentials elicited during the execution (Go) and the inhibition (NoGo) condition of the Continuous Performance Test allow an assessment of anterior cingulate function with extraordinary high interindividual stability and retest reliability.

Results

These methods revealed a significant brain electrical hypoactivity in the ACC of schizophrenic patients as compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Both a neuropsychological index of ACC performance and the proposed electrophysiological measure of this region have been shown to be improved in patients treated with atypical but not with typical antipsychotics.

Conclusions

These results support the notion that a functional deficit of the ACC during response control is a core feature in schizophrenias, which can be improved by atypical antipsychotic treatment.

Type
S08. Symposium: Neurocognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia: A New Target for Treatment
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2007
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