Anterior cingulate activation in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode schizophrenia

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Abstract
Objective: Anterior cingulate (ACC) hypo‐activity is commonly observed in chronically ill schizophrenia patients. However, it is unclear whether this is secondary to persistent illness and/or medication. Method: We examined eight antipsychotic‐naïve first‐episode patients and matched healthy controls undergoing PET scanning while performing the Stroop task. Results: Group‐averaged and single‐subject analyses showed ACC activation in both controls and patients, albeit in different sub‐regions (paracingulate and cingulate respectively). A direct comparison revealed relative under‐activity of the left paracingulate cortex in patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the more pervasive hypo‐activation observed in chronic patients may be secondary to persistent illness and/or medication.

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