Examining Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Using Task-Based EEG: A Graph Theory Approach

The neural bases of narcissistic and antisocial traits are still under debate. One intriguing question is whether these traits are encoded within the so-called triple network e.g. the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and fronto-parietal (FPN) networks, and whether these traits affect the same networks in a similar manner. Connectome-based analyses were conducted on resting-state scans from 183 participants, examining regional and global graph-theoretic metrics in the DMN, SN, and FPN, with the visual and sensorimotor networks as controls. Our findings revealed a clear involvement of the triple network in narcissistic and antisocial traits, confirming a shared neural substrate for the two traits. Both traits were negatively predicted by the anterior cingulate cortex of the SN, possibly indicating less awareness of dangers and more proneness to engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, both traits were positively predicted by the lateral prefrontal cortex of the FPN, suggesting augmented strategic thinking to manipulate others and increased planning skills to achieve personal goals. Besides similarities, there were also some differences. Specific hubs of the DMN were positively associated with narcissism but negatively related with antisocials, possibly explaining their differences in self-reflection and thinking about the self, largely present in the former, but usually reduced in the latter. These results extend previous findings on the involvement of the triple network in personality disorders and suggest both common and different mechanisms underlying narcissistic and antisocial traits. As such, these findings could pave the way for developing potential biomarkers of personality pathology and identify neurostimulation intervention targets.

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Examining Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Using Task-Based EEG: A Graph Theory Approach

Iglesias-Parro,

Soriano,

Ibáñez-Molina

et al. 2023

Sensors

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Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and behaviors that have significant consequences for individuals, families, and society in general. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a valuable tool for understanding the neural dynamics and functional abnormalities associated with schizophrenia. Research studies utilizing EEG have identified specific patterns of brain activity in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia that may reflect disturbances in neural synchronization and information processing in cortical circuits. Considering the temporal dynamics of functional connectivity provides a more comprehensive understanding of brain networks’ organization and how they change during different cognitive states. This temporal perspective would enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia. In the present study, we will use measures based on graph theory to obtain dynamic and static indicators in order to evaluate differences in the functional connectivity of individuals diagnosed with SZ and healthy controls using an ecologically valid task. At the static level, patients showed alterations in their ability to segregate information, particularly in the default mode network (DMN). As for dynamic measures, patients showed reduced values in most metrics (segregation, integration, centrality, and resilience), reflecting a reduced number of dynamic states of brain networks. Our results show the utility of combining static and dynamic indicators of functional connectivity from EEG sensors.

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Examining Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Using Task-Based EEG: A Graph Theory Approach

Cited by 3 publications

References 69 publications

ℛSCZ: A Riemannian schizophrenia diagnosis framework based on the multiplexity of EEG-based dynamic functional connectivity patterns

ℛSCZ: A Riemannian schizophrenia diagnosis framework based on the multiplexity of EEG-based dynamic functional connectivity patterns

Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Traits are both encoded in the Triple Network: Connectomics evidence

Examining Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Using Task-Based EEG: A Graph Theory Approach

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