Zanetti MV, Schaufelberger MS, de Castro CC, Menezes PR, Scazufca M, McGuire PK, Murray RM, Busatto GF
White-matter hyperintensities in first-episode psychosis. [Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't]
Br J Psychiatry 2008 Jul; 193(1):25-30.
BACKGROUND: White-matter hyperintensities have been associated with both schizophrenia and mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, but results are inconsistent across studies.
AIMS: To examine whether white-matter hyperintensities are a vulnerability marker for psychosis or are specifically associated with bipolar disorder.
METHOD: T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired in 129 individuals with first-episode psychosis (either affective or non-affective psychoses) and 102 controls who were randomly selected from the same geographical areas. Visual white-matter hyperintensity ratings were used for group and subgroup comparisons.
RESULTS: There were no statistically significant between-group differences in white-matter hyperintensity frequency or severity scores. No significant correlations were found between white-matter hyperintensity scores and duration of illness, duration of untreated psychosis, or severity of psychotic, manic or depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: White-matter hyperintensities are not associated with vulnerability to psychosis in general, or specifically with affective psychoses. Further, first-episode psychosis investigations using more quantitative methods are warranted to confirm these findings.
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