Modafinil modulates anterior cingulate function in chronic schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Schizophrenia is associated with widespread cognitive deficits that have an impact on social function. Modafinil promotes wakefulness and is reported to enhance cognition.


OBJECTIVE
To study the acute effects of modafinil administration upon brain activity and cognitive performance in people with chronic schizophrenia.


METHODS
In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, 19 patients received either modafinil (100 mg) or placebo prior to undertaking a working memory task with functional magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
Seventeen patients completed the study and another underwent acute relapse 4 days post-drug. Modafinil administration was associated with significantly greater activation in the anterior cingulate cortex during the working memory task. The anterior cingulate cortex signal correlated with cognitive performance, although only a subset of patients exhibited 'enhancement'.


CONCLUSIONS
Modafinil modulates anterior cingulate cortex function in chronic schizophrenia but its beneficial cognitive effects may be restricted to a subset of patients requiring further characterisation.
Sheffield Cognition and Neuroimaging, Academic Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield, The Longley Centre, Norwood Grange Drive, Sheffield S5 7JT, UK. s.a.spence@sheffield.ac.uk
Sean A
SA
Spence
Russell D
RD
Green
Iain D
ID
Wilkinson
Mike D
MD
Hunter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077408:Modafinil; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil