Staff

Publication details for Dr Rachel Mitchell

Mitchell, R., Elliott, R. & Woodruff, P.W.R. (2001). fMRI and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 5(2): 71-81.

• Publication type: Journal papers: academic
• ISSN/ISBN: 1364-6613
• DOI: 10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01599-0
• Keywords: Neuroimaging; Lateralization; Schizophrenia; Psychopathology; Fronto-temporal
• View online: Online version
• Durham research online: DRO record

Author(s) from Durham

• Dr Rachel Mitchell

Abstract

Despite being one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, SCHIZOPHRENIA is still poorly understood, with no clear objective biological marker. The advent of neuroimaging has enabled in vivo investigations to complement older techniques, and has revealed important insights. fMRI provides a means to assess the neurobiological theory that schizophrenia is caused by abnormal fronto-temporal lobe connections. In studies of language abnormalities, fMRI can explicitly assess the hypothesis that the normal lateralization of language is reversed in schizophrenia. Longitudinal fMRI studies, and studies examining the effects of medication, suggest that the technique has further potential to advance our understanding of this complex disorder.