Back to results

Examining the structural connectivity of a key emotional pathway of the limbic circuit, the stria terminalis (ST), in adolescents with psychotic like experiences using advanced diffusion tractography.

Subclinical psychotic symptoms experienced by young people share a wide range of risk factors with schizophrenia patients and are at increased risk for psychosis in adulthood (1) and form what is often referred to as the “extended psychosis Phenotype” (2) and a key group to learn about the pathogenesis of psychosis.
The limbic system is a collection of subcortical structures and associated white matter fibre pathways involved with memory and emotional responses. It is implicated in many psychiatric disorders including psychosis. A central component of the limbic system is the amygdala and its associated efferent white matter fibre pathway, the stria terminalis (ST). Using advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) techniques, the course of the stria terminalis can be extrapolated and delineated using fibre tractography. Once delineated, quantitative analysis will be conducted to assess the underlying tissue properties between those individuals with psychotic-like experiences (PLE) compared to neurotypical controls. One of the possible trajectories towards psychotic disorder is known to be influenced by the presence of “subclinical” symptomology in some individuals and thus understanding the mechanisms of brain circuits affected is crucial. This project will be part of the ongoing body of work and focusing on the longitudinal neuroimaging component spanning three timepoints with over 220 brain scans from population based sample of adolescents with PLEs and matched controls which is part of Professor Mary Cannon’s (RSCI) ongoing research in vulnerable adolescent populations experiencing psychotic-like experiences (PLE). Dr Erik O’Hanlon (neuroimaging specialist) will supervise this project component.