Aggression and quantitative MRI measures of caudate in patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Caudate dysfunction is implicated in schizophrenia. However, little is known about the relationship between aggression and caudate volumes. Forty-nine patients received magnetic resonance imaging scanning in a double-blind treatment study in which aggression was measured. Caudate volumes were computed using a semiautomated method. The authors measured aggression with the Overt Aggression Scale and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Larger caudate volumes were associated with greater levels of aggression. The relationship between aggression and caudate volumes may be related to the iatrogenic effects of long-term treatment with typical antipsychotic agents or to a direct effect of schizophrenic processes on the caudate.
Hoptman
Matthew J
MJ
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA. Hoptman@nki.rfmh.org
Volavka
Jan
J
Czobor
Pál
P
Gerig
Guido
G
Chakos
Miranda
M
Blocher
Joseph
J
Citrome
Leslie L
LL
Sheitman
Brain
B
Lindenmayer
Jean-Pierre
JP
Lieberman
Jeffrey A
JA
Bilder
Robert M
RM
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D002421:Caudate Nucleus / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*