White Matter Abnormalities Between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
Researchers reviewed neuropathological (n=12) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies, and directly compared patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to better understand the white matter abnormalities that are shared or distinct between the two. DTI studies show a putative measure of the integrity of white matter, and neuropathological studies show more distinctive microstructural data. The majority of the studies reviewed did not report any differences between groups, showing significant overlap and shared disconnectivity between the two disorders. Being able to put an emphasis on clinical dimensions across disease entities will expand the general knowledge of disconnectivity and aid in informing preventive medicine.
Reference: Ji E, Lejuste F, Sarrazin S, Houenou J. From the microscope to the magnet: Disconnection in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019;98:47-57. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.005
