| dc.description.abstract | Schizophrenia, a profound psychiatric challenge affecting the global population, remains a focus of intensive
research. In this ongoing project, we initiate the development of a comprehensive pipeline for the analysis of magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) scans, aiming to unravel the complex dynamics associated with High-Risk Mental States (HRMS) and First
Episode of Psychosis (FEP). The project spans a longitudinal cohort study, providing a 2-year prognostic trajectory evaluation
for individuals in HRMS and those experiencing FEP.
The neuroimaging component plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricate mind-brain interaction. MRI sessions, incorporating structural and functional scans, commenced with an initial dataset of 10 patients. The preprocessing of T1 scans involves segmentation and skull stripping, laying the foundation for subsequent analyses. Functional MRI (fMRI) scans, focusing on the cingulate gyrus associated with psychosis, offer dynamic insights into neural processes.
Our current analysis, albeit with a limited dataset, sets the groundwork for future investigations. Both structural (T1) and functional (fMRI) MRI results are inconclusive at this early stage due to the small dataset. The ongoing exploration of functional activation patterns in the cingulate gyrus provides valuable early insights. The pipeline’s developmental phase anticipates an expanded dataset over the next year and a half, promising a more comprehensive understanding of schizophrenia’s neuroimaging correlates.
This project underscores the evolving nature of psychiatric research, acknowledging the ongoing journey toward a deeper comprehension of schizophrenia’s complexities. As the dataset grows and the pipeline refines, our efforts aim to contribute significantly to the broader understanding of this debilitating disorder. | |
