Correlation Between Default Mode Network and Symptomatic Domains: A Spectral Approach to Schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction When evaluating psychiatric pathologies using imaging studies, the categorical approach supposes a significant challenge. Redefining these pathologies with the use of behavioral dimensions that are related to brain biology has been attempted. This paper aims to describe the findings on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with schizophrenia and correlate it with their symptomatic domains. Materials and methods This study is a descriptive, observational, transversal study. Fourteen patients with schizophrenia and Fourteen controls were explored using functional magnetic resonance during a resting period and developing easy, medium, and complex tasks. The default mode network was evaluated, registering the voxel activation on a cluster and its maximum activation over interest areas. Subjects were interrogated using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis. Results Diminished activation of the default mode network was evidenced in association with the complexity of the task in the control group. Patients presented a steady activation when comparing their resting state with the activation during the different tasks. A negative correlation was observed implicating the volume of the functional cluster in the posterior cingulate cortex during the high complexity task and the interpersonal sensitivity domain. A moderate positive correlation was found with symptomatic domains of interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobia, and depression, while a moderate negative association was found with psychosis. Conclusions Imaging evaluation of the psychiatric pathologies could be useful if the pathology is approached through the spectrum of symptomatic domains. This perspective would enhance the assertiveness of the therapeutics.