In the subset of study participants who underwent functional MRI, activation of working memory in the regions of the brain associated with executive function in those positively identified on the psychosis spectrum was lower than in those scored as developing normally (P < .05). Deficits in prefrontal cognitive activity also were noted in the group on the psychosis spectrum when compared with those not on the spectrum (P < .001), although no correlation was found with positive symptom severity. Also in the psychosis-spectrum group, there was elevated activity in the amygdala and other brain regions typically associated with fear, in response to being shown threatening facial expressions (P < .05). The response in the amygdala correlated with positive symptom severity (P = .01) but not with cognitive deficits.
Dr. Gur did not have any relevant disclosures.
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