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Review
. 2018 Dec;27(6):546-551.
doi: 10.1017/S2045796018000525. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

The neural basis of hostility-related dimensions in schizophrenia

C Perlini  1 , M Bellani  2 , B Besteher  3 , I Nenadić  4 , P Brambilla  5
Affiliations
Review

The neural basis of hostility-related dimensions in schizophrenia

C Perlini et al. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2018 Dec.

Abstract

Hostility and related dimensions like anger, urgency, impulsivity and aggressiveness have been described in non-clinical populations and various serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia. Although representing a mental healthcare challenge, the investigation of such constructs is often limited by the presence of complex and multi-factorial causes and lack of agreement in their conceptualisation and measurement. In this review, we aim to clarify the anatomical basis of hostility-related dimensions in schizophrenia. Imaging studies suggest malfunctioning of a neural circuitry including amygdala, striatum, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula and hippocampus to modulate hostile thoughts and behaviours, at least in the subgroup of patients with schizophrenia who exhibit high levels of urgency, impulsivity and aggressiveness.

Keywords: Aggressiveness; hostility; impulsivity; neuroimaging; schizophrenia; urgency.

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