Citation

Rüsch N, Spoletini I, Wilke M, Martinotti G, Bria P, Trequattrini A, Bonaviri G, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G. Psychiatry Res. 2008; 164(3): 206-214.

Affiliation

IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy. nicolas.ruesch@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pscychresns.2007.12.011

PMID

19008082

Abstract

The neurobiology of suicidality in schizophrenia is largely unknown. We therefore assessed gray and white matter volumes associated with past suicidality and current self-aggression in schizophrenia. Fifty-five outpatients with schizophrenia (n=55) and healthy controls (n=55), matched for age, gender and handedness, were recruited. Ten patients had a life-time history of one or more suicide attempts. Current self-aggression was assessed using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale. High resolution structural magnetic resonance images were analyzed by voxel-based morphometry. We found significantly larger inferior frontal white matter volumes bilaterally in patients with a previous suicide attempt as compared with those patients without a history of suicidality. No other significant white or gray matter volume differences were observed. White matter volume in these regions did not differ between healthy controls and those patients without a previous suicide attempt. Furthermore, among patients, the level of current self-aggression showed a significant positive correlation with white matter volume in the same regions. Inferior frontal white matter alterations in fronto-temporo-limbic circuits may be associated with suicidality and self-aggression in schizophrenia.

Language: en