Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Brain and SchizophreniaWarning SignsDiagnostic ScalesBrain ScansOther TestsNext Steps
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Brain and Schizophrenia
Warning Signs
Diagnostic Scales
Brain Scans
Other Tests
Next Steps
In people withschizophrenia, brain scans show there are structural differences compared to people without schizophrenia. These differences may play a role in causing disordered thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
While everyone’s brain is different, scientists can use imaging to get a general idea of what a normally functioning brain looks like vs. one that is not. Healthcare providers don’t use imaging tests alone to diagnose schizophrenia, however.
This article will discuss the early symptoms of schizophrenia and the tests and scans that are used to assist in its diagnosis.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Schizophrenia Brain Changes
Schizophrenia is both a mental health condition and a chronic brain disorder. Abnormalities in boththe structures of the brainand brain chemistry have been noted in people with schizophrenia.
Although it is not possible to diagnose schizophrenia based on brain imaging alone, there are noticeable differences between the brain scans of people with schizophrenia and those without schizophrenia.
The brains of people with schizophrenia tend to be different in terms of total tissue volume and activity, specifically lower volumes of gray matter.These abnormalities are especially noticeable in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. Studies also suggest that the hippocampus (a structure in the temporal lobe that influences learning and memory) also presents differently in people with schizophrenia.
Atrophy (loss of brain cells/shrinkage) of the hippocampus is among the most notable changes in the brains of people with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia affects the brain in particular and less observable ways than other brain conditions likemultiple sclerosis,tumors,strokes, orbleeds.
Neurotransmitters
It is believed that changes or imbalances of certain neurotransmitters play a part in the development of schizophrenia, but more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. These neurotransmitters include:
What Is Schizophrenia?
Early Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Hallucinationsanddelusionsare the hallmark symptoms of psychosis and must be present for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Although psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions are the most common aspects that present in schizophrenia, there are several symptoms involved. People with schizophrenia experience:
Assessment of these symptoms is typically how schizophrenia is diagnosed, but the discovery of brain differences in people with schizophrenia could potentially mean an earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.
While schizophrenia is usually diagnosed in the late teens to early thirties, subtle changes in cognition and social relationships may be noticeable before the actual diagnosis, evenduring adolescence. Often theseearly symptomsare apparent years before a person is diagnosed.
Some of these early symptoms include:
Does My Child Have Schizophrenia?Early signs of schizophrenia can be hard to detect because they often overlap with common adolescent behavior. Moreover, these symptoms in people ofany age groupdo not necessarily mean that a person will develop schizophrenia.These symptoms can be disruptive though, and they may indicate something worrisome is going on, even if it isn’t schizophrenia. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Does My Child Have Schizophrenia?
Early signs of schizophrenia can be hard to detect because they often overlap with common adolescent behavior. Moreover, these symptoms in people ofany age groupdo not necessarily mean that a person will develop schizophrenia.These symptoms can be disruptive though, and they may indicate something worrisome is going on, even if it isn’t schizophrenia. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Early signs of schizophrenia can be hard to detect because they often overlap with common adolescent behavior. Moreover, these symptoms in people ofany age groupdo not necessarily mean that a person will develop schizophrenia.
These symptoms can be disruptive though, and they may indicate something worrisome is going on, even if it isn’t schizophrenia. If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for schizophreniainclude:
Because there are a number of risk factors that can lead to schizophrenia, it may not be possible to pinpoint an exact cause in each case.
SupportIf you or a loved one is struggling with schizophrenia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Support
If you or a loved one is struggling with schizophrenia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Scales Used to Diagnose Schizophrenia
Several commonly used scales can help diagnose schizophrenia:
Brain Scans Used to Help Diagnose Schizophrenia
Healthcare providers may use scans and tests in the diagnostic process, but not as a sole diagnostic tool. These tests include:
These tests are safe and noninvasive.
Other Diagnostic Tests for Schizophrenia
There is no medical test for schizophrenia, but a healthcare provider may still order blood tests, urine tests, MRIs, and other diagnostic tools. This is usually done to rule out other medical conditions or physical factors that could be causing these symptoms.
Some medications and recreational drugs can also cause symptoms of psychosis. A blood test that checks toxicology could determine if these medications might be responsible.
Tests may also be used to measure aspects of a person’s general health, which can help determine the best course of treatment for schizophrenia.
Medical Test DyeFor both MRIs and CT scans, different types ofcontrast dyemay be administered to help visualize the structures. Side effects and allergic reactions are possible with this dye, so your healthcare provider will ask questions before administering it to minimize these risks.
Medical Test Dye
For both MRIs and CT scans, different types ofcontrast dyemay be administered to help visualize the structures. Side effects and allergic reactions are possible with this dye, so your healthcare provider will ask questions before administering it to minimize these risks.
Interpreting Results
After an MRI or CT scan is complete, a radiologist will examine the images and interpret the scans. They will then write a report and send it to the healthcare provider who ordered the scans.
Brain scansaren’t usually ordered to look for schizophrenia. Instead, they can help your healthcare provider rule out other conditions. Whether the scan shows a different condition or plays a part in confirming a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the healthcare provider will discuss treatment options.
A healthcare provider may want to book an appointment to go over the results, regardless of what they are, or they may call with the results.
If the results are inconclusive, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing. They may also order the tests at certain intervals over time if they are monitoring for changes.
If schizophrenia is diagnosed, then the person with schizophrenia and their support team will work on a treatment plan together.
If your healthcare professional suspects schizophrenia, they may make a referral to a mental health expert who has more specialized knowledge of the condition. It is also common for healthcare professionals to speak with the friends and/or family of a person who is showing signs of schizophrenia.
Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, your healthcare provider may prescribe antipsychotic medication. You may also be referred to a therapist who can help you develop strategies that will help you build and maintain relationships and succeed at work or school.
Summary
Brain scans of people with schizophrenia can show structural differences in the brain. Brain scans alone, however, can’t be used to diagnose the condition.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bakhshi K, Chance SA.The neuropathology of schizophrenia: A selective review of past studies and emerging themes in brain structure and cytoarchitecture.Neuroscience. 2015;303:82-102. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.028Birur B, Kraguljac NV, Shelton RC, Lahti AC.Brain structure, function, and neurochemistry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—a systematic review of the magnetic resonance neuroimaging literature.npj Schizophr. 2017;3(1):15. doi:10.1038/s41537-017-0013-9Lieberman JA, Girgis RR, Brucato G, et al.Hippocampal dysfunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: a selective review and hypothesis for early detection and intervention.Mol Psychiatry. 2018;23(8):1764-1772. doi:10.1038/mp.2017.249Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM.Neurotransmitters-key factors in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(11):5954. doi:10.3390/ijms23115954Stępnicki P, Kondej M, Kaczor AA.Current concepts and treatments of schizophrenia.Molecules. 2018;23(8):2087. doi:10.3390/molecules23082087National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.National Health Service.Causes — schizophrenia.Kumari S, Malik M, Florival C, Manalai P, Sonje S.An assessment of five (Panss, saps, sans, nsa-16, cgi-sch) commonly used symptoms rating scales in schizophrenia and comparison to newer scales(Cains, bnss). J Addict Res Ther. 2017;8(3):324.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bakhshi K, Chance SA.The neuropathology of schizophrenia: A selective review of past studies and emerging themes in brain structure and cytoarchitecture.Neuroscience. 2015;303:82-102. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.028Birur B, Kraguljac NV, Shelton RC, Lahti AC.Brain structure, function, and neurochemistry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—a systematic review of the magnetic resonance neuroimaging literature.npj Schizophr. 2017;3(1):15. doi:10.1038/s41537-017-0013-9Lieberman JA, Girgis RR, Brucato G, et al.Hippocampal dysfunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: a selective review and hypothesis for early detection and intervention.Mol Psychiatry. 2018;23(8):1764-1772. doi:10.1038/mp.2017.249Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM.Neurotransmitters-key factors in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(11):5954. doi:10.3390/ijms23115954Stępnicki P, Kondej M, Kaczor AA.Current concepts and treatments of schizophrenia.Molecules. 2018;23(8):2087. doi:10.3390/molecules23082087National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.National Health Service.Causes — schizophrenia.Kumari S, Malik M, Florival C, Manalai P, Sonje S.An assessment of five (Panss, saps, sans, nsa-16, cgi-sch) commonly used symptoms rating scales in schizophrenia and comparison to newer scales(Cains, bnss). J Addict Res Ther. 2017;8(3):324.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bakhshi K, Chance SA.The neuropathology of schizophrenia: A selective review of past studies and emerging themes in brain structure and cytoarchitecture.Neuroscience. 2015;303:82-102. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.028Birur B, Kraguljac NV, Shelton RC, Lahti AC.Brain structure, function, and neurochemistry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—a systematic review of the magnetic resonance neuroimaging literature.npj Schizophr. 2017;3(1):15. doi:10.1038/s41537-017-0013-9Lieberman JA, Girgis RR, Brucato G, et al.Hippocampal dysfunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: a selective review and hypothesis for early detection and intervention.Mol Psychiatry. 2018;23(8):1764-1772. doi:10.1038/mp.2017.249Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM.Neurotransmitters-key factors in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(11):5954. doi:10.3390/ijms23115954Stępnicki P, Kondej M, Kaczor AA.Current concepts and treatments of schizophrenia.Molecules. 2018;23(8):2087. doi:10.3390/molecules23082087National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.National Health Service.Causes — schizophrenia.Kumari S, Malik M, Florival C, Manalai P, Sonje S.An assessment of five (Panss, saps, sans, nsa-16, cgi-sch) commonly used symptoms rating scales in schizophrenia and comparison to newer scales(Cains, bnss). J Addict Res Ther. 2017;8(3):324.
Bakhshi K, Chance SA.The neuropathology of schizophrenia: A selective review of past studies and emerging themes in brain structure and cytoarchitecture.Neuroscience. 2015;303:82-102. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.06.028
Birur B, Kraguljac NV, Shelton RC, Lahti AC.Brain structure, function, and neurochemistry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder—a systematic review of the magnetic resonance neuroimaging literature.npj Schizophr. 2017;3(1):15. doi:10.1038/s41537-017-0013-9
Lieberman JA, Girgis RR, Brucato G, et al.Hippocampal dysfunction in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: a selective review and hypothesis for early detection and intervention.Mol Psychiatry. 2018;23(8):1764-1772. doi:10.1038/mp.2017.249
Teleanu RI, Niculescu AG, Roza E, Vladâcenco O, Grumezescu AM, Teleanu DM.Neurotransmitters-key factors in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(11):5954. doi:10.3390/ijms23115954
Stępnicki P, Kondej M, Kaczor AA.Current concepts and treatments of schizophrenia.Molecules. 2018;23(8):2087. doi:10.3390/molecules23082087
National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.
National Health Service.Causes — schizophrenia.
Kumari S, Malik M, Florival C, Manalai P, Sonje S.An assessment of five (Panss, saps, sans, nsa-16, cgi-sch) commonly used symptoms rating scales in schizophrenia and comparison to newer scales(Cains, bnss). J Addict Res Ther. 2017;8(3):324.
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