Neuroanatomic characterization of schizoaffective disorder using MRI: a pilot study

Schizophr Res. 2002 May 1;55(1-2):55-9. doi: 10.1016/s0920-9964(01)00210-9.

Abstract

For over 50 years, there has been uncertainty in the conceptual understanding and neuropathogenesis of the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder (SCA). In order to better characterize SCA, we performed a quantitative assessment of MRI neuroanatomical structures in patients with SCA (n = 12), compared to patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) (n = 12) and healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 12). Patients diagnosed with SCA exhibited regional abnormalities on the striatum that resemble those seen in BPD. This study suggests that SCA has some neuroanatomical characteristics similar to BPD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Bipolar Disorder / pathology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Corpus Striatum / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / pathology