[White matter alterations in schizophrenia]

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder characterized by fundamental changes in thinking and beliefs. Alterations in white matter integrity may underlie the characteristic psychotic symptoms. This review focuses on diffusion tensor imaging studies in schizophrenia patients. Overall, schizophrenia appears to be associated with white matter deficits particularly in the fronto-temporal connections. To dissect potential medication effects from myelination deficits related to symptoms, longitudinal studies in initially antipsychotic-naive first-episode patients with schizophrenia are needed.