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Computerized tomographic scan changes in early schizophrenia – preliminary findings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Stuart W. Turner*
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London
Brian K. Toone
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London
Jane R. Brett-Jones
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital, London
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr S. W. Turner,Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital,Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS.

Synopsis

Thirty patients who fulfilled DSM–III criteria for schizophrenia but who were within 2 years of presentation were compared with 26 age–matched normal volunteers with respect to CT scan appearances. In the index group the ventricle–brain ratio (VBR) was significantly greater. The VBR values were positively correlated with average alcohol intake and with early physical trauma, and negatively correlated with a family history of schizophrenia. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the present uncertainty about the meaning of CT scan findings in schizophrenia.

Type
Preliminary Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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