Hypofrontality in Schizophrenia. A meta-analysis of functional imaging studies

K. Hill, L. Mann, K.R. Laws, C. M. E. Stephenson, I. Nimmo-Smith, P. J. McKenna

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Abstract

Objective: Hypofrontality is not a well-replicated finding in schizophrenia either at rest or under conditions of task activation. Method: Studies comparing whole brain and frontal blood flow/ metabolism in schizophrenic patients and normal controls were pooled.Voxel-based studies were also combined to examine the pattern of prefrontal activation in schizophrenia. Results: Whole brain flow/metabolism was reduced in schizophrenia to only a small extent.Restin g and activation frontal flow/metabolism were both reduced with a medium effect size.Duration of illness significantly moderated resting hypofrontality, but the moderating effects of neuroleptic treatment were consistent with an influence on global flow/metabolism only.Pooling of voxel-based studies did not suggest an abnormal pattern of activation in schizophrenia. Conclusion: Meta-analysis supports resting hypofrontality in schizophrenia.Task-activated hypofrontality is also supported, but there is little from voxel-based studies to suggest that this is associated with an altered pattern of regional functional architecture.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)243-256
JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Volume110
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • Psychology
  • fMRI
  • Frontal lobes

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