PET Imaging Study Finds Widespread Loss of Brain Synapses in Schizophrenia
A new brain-imaging study using positron emission tomography (PET) has found that people with schizophrenia show substantial, widespread loss of synaptic connections across multiple brain regions, with the left hemisphere affected more than the right, according to research published in Molecular Psychiatry.
What the Study Found
Researchers scanned the brains of 122 participants, including 29 people diagnosed with schizophrenia, using specialized PET imaging capable of directly measuring synaptic density, something conventional MRI cannot do. The scans showed a pronounced reduction in synaptic connections in frontal, temporal, memory-related, and emotion-related brain regions among participants with schizophrenia, with the left side of the brain more heavily affected than the right.
Why Synapses Matter
Synapses are the connection points that allow brain cells to communicate. Loss of these connections has long been suspected to underlie some of the cognitive and emotional symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including difficulties with memory, attention, and emotional regulation, but detailed mapping of synaptic loss in living human brains has been difficult using older imaging technology.
What This Research Does Not Prove
This study describes a pattern of association between schizophrenia and synaptic loss; it does not establish that synaptic loss causes the disorder, nor does it show whether the pattern seen in this sample generalizes to all people with schizophrenia. Larger studies following people over time would be needed to clarify the sequence of biological changes and whether treatment can influence synaptic density.
Which Professional to See
Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are typically diagnosed and managed by a psychiatrist, often working alongside a psychologist, therapist, or care team for ongoing support. A primary care physician can be a starting point for referral.
Questions to Ask
Useful questions for a clinician include: What treatment options, including medication and psychosocial support, are appropriate for my situation? How is treatment response being monitored over time? Are there research studies or clinical trials relevant to my diagnosis that I could learn more about?
Bottom Line
This PET imaging study adds to the evidence that schizophrenia involves measurable, widespread changes in brain connectivity, following a pattern rather than occurring randomly. The findings are early-stage and do not change current treatment guidance, which continues to rely on established, evidence-based approaches under the care of a qualified clinician.
Related Topics
Related reading: Schizophrenia
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed healthcare provider or local emergency services.