Attenuated Resting-State Functional Anticorrelation between Attention and Executive Control Networks in Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Abstract

Exploring the disruptions to intrinsic resting-state networks (RSNs) in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders yields a better understanding of the disease-specific pathophysiology. However, our knowledge of the neurobiological underpinnings of schizotypal personality disorders mostly relies on research on schizotypy or schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the RSN abnormalities of schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) and their clinical implications. Using resting-state data, the intra- and inter-network of the higher-order functional networks (default mode network, DMN; frontoparietal network, FPN; dorsal attention network, DAN; salience network, SN) were explored in 22 medication-free, community-dwelling, non-help seeking individuals diagnosed with SPD and 30 control individuals. Consequently, while there were no group differences in intra-network functional connectivity across DMN, FPN, DAN, and SN, the SPD participants exhibited attenuated anticorrelation between the right frontal eye field region of the DAN and the right posterior parietal cortex region of the FPN. The decreases in anticorrelation were correlated with increased cognitive–perceptual deficits and disorganization factors of the schizotypal personality questionnaire, as well as reduced independence–performance of the social functioning scale for all participants together. This study, which links SPD pathology and social functioning deficits, is the first evidence of impaired large-scale intrinsic brain networks in SPD.

Widespread Intra- and Inter-Network Dysconnectivity among Large-Scale Resting State Networks in Schizophrenia

“…The RSNs were defined using validated independent component analysis (ICA) templates from the HCP (Human Connectome Project), which had supported by empirical data [40,42,43]. We selected the 8 main RSNs were used as the networks of interest, including 32 ROIs representing DMN, FPN, SN, DAN, LN, VN, SMN, and CN.…”

Classification of Low and High Schizotypy Levels via Evaluation of Brain Connectivity

“…51 Furthermore, some of the previous studies have found this relation, and argued that schizotypy may lead to schizophrenia and other spectrum disorders. 10,[52][53][54][55] As per the disconnection hypothesis, the observations of schizophrenia can be generalized to schizotypy. 56 This hypothesis asserts that schizophrenia can be conceived as the faulty interaction of functional systems, such as cortical areas and sub-areas, that are used for adaptive sensory-motor integration, perceptual synthesis, and cognition.…”