Value of Voxel-Based Morphometry in Schizophrenia

Launched by ASSIUT UNIVERSITY · Jul 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how the structure of the brain differs in people with schizophrenia, nicotine dependence (which means being addicted to smoking), or both conditions together. Researchers want to understand how these brain differences relate to behaviors like making decisions and acting impulsively (acting without thinking). Using a special brain scan called MRI, the study will examine subtle changes in brain areas involved in thinking and reward, such as the front part of the brain and areas that process pleasure. Since many people with schizophrenia also smoke, this study hopes to clarify how smoking might affect their brain and behavior.

To take part, you need to be between 18 and 60 years old and fit into one of these groups: people with schizophrenia who don’t smoke, people with schizophrenia who do smoke, or people who smoke but don’t have schizophrenia. Participants should be stable on their schizophrenia medications if applicable and able to safely have an MRI scan (so no metal implants or severe anxiety about the scan). During the study, participants will have an MRI brain scan, answer questions about impulsive behavior, and take part in a clinical interview. The goal is to find specific brain patterns linked to these conditions and see how they connect to behavior. This research is important because it may help improve understanding and treatment of cognitive challenges in people with schizophrenia, especially those who smoke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed schizophrenia (for groups 1 and 2).
• • Nicotine dependence as defined by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (for groups 2 and 3).
• • Age range: 18-60 years.
• • Schizophrenic patients must be stable on medications for at least 2 months.
• • Written informed consent (from the patient or his carer).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of other neurological or other psychiatric disorders (besides schizophrenia or nicotine dependence).
• • Current substance use disorders other than nicotine.
• • Severe head trauma or other conditions likely to affect brain structure.
• • IQ below 70.
• • MRI contraindications such as metallic implants (e.g. pace maker), claustrophobia or anxiety disorders severe enough to prevent comfortable MRI scanning will also be exclusion criteria.