Physiologic Dysfunction of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Schizophrenia

• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1986.01800020032005
• Publication Date: 2011-11-29T02:09:11Z
• Authors: Karen Faith Berman
• Keywords: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Continuous performance task; Executive dysfunction

We conducted two xenon Xe 133 inhalation regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) studies to clarify earlier findings of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) dysfunction in medication-free patients with chronic schizophrenia. In the first study, 24 neuroleptic-treated and 25 normal controls underwent three rCBF procedures, while at rest, then during Wisconsin Card Sort (WCS), which tests DLPFC cognitive function, a number-matching task that controlled for aspects WCS-rCBF experience not specifically related DLPFC. The results were qualitatively identical those previously reported patients. second was determined 18 17 control subjects each performed versions visual continuous performance (CPT). No differences between groups found either CPT condition. These data suggest schizophrenia is independent medication status simply by state factors such as attention, mental effort, or severity psychotic symptoms. Dysfunction appears be cognitively linked physiologic deficit this illness.