Functional and structural imaging of auditory infomation processing deficits in recent-onset and chronic schizophrenia [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Ulrich Schall (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Philip Ward ,  E/Pr Patricia Michie ,  Prof Paul Thompson

Brief description Abnormalities in the auditory system have long been suspected to be present among people who suffer from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, due in part to the high prevalence of auditory hallucinations amongst these patients. Over the last decade, a group of Australian researchers have identified an index of auditory information processing, recorded from scalp electrodes, that is abnormal in patients with schizophrenia, and their biological relatives. The present project will examine the relationship between these electrophysiological findings, and a new non-invasive technique of functional brain imaging, looking at changes in blood flow, that can identify the specific brain regions that are active during auditory information processing, and link these to the sources of the scalp recorded measures. Both of these functional measures will be examined in relation to the volumes of brain tissue, measured from magnetic resonance imaging scans using new analysis tools, that enable the identification of subtle changes in brain anatomy. By examining patients who have recently developed schizophrenia, those who have suffered from the illness for longer periods of time, and their close relatives, this study will provide the opportunity to identify biological markers of increased vulnerability for the development of schizophrenia.

Funding Amount $AUD 376,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant