A brain scan of someone with schizophrenia would show which of the following associated with the disorder? Larger overall brain size and shrunken ventricles in the middle of the brain Smaller overall brain size and enlarged ventricles in the middle of the brain Larger overall brain size and shrunken choroid plexus in the middle of the brain Smaller overall brain size and enlarged central sulcus in the middle of the brain
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Smaller overall brain size and enlarged ventricles in the middle of the brain
Explanation:
Brain scans of individuals with schizophrenia often reveal structural abnormalities that are strongly associated with the disorder. One of the most consistent findings is enlarged ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are fluid-filled cavities in the center of the brain. Their enlargement is believed to reflect a loss of brain tissue, especially in areas such as the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. This tissue loss contributes to a smaller overall brain size in affected individuals.
The enlargement of ventricles does not suggest an increase in brain functionality. Rather, it is often associated with more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis. This structural change can be detected through imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans. These findings support the theory that schizophrenia is, at least in part, a neurodevelopmental disorder.
The exact cause of ventricular enlargement is not fully understood, but it may involve factors such as genetic vulnerability, prenatal brain injury, or abnormal brain development. These changes are not unique to schizophrenia, but they are more prominent and consistent in individuals with this condition compared to the general population.
In contrast, the other options in the question do not align with the known structural brain findings in schizophrenia. For example, larger brain size and shrunken ventricles are not characteristic of the disorder. Likewise, changes to the choroid plexus or the central sulcus are not commonly associated with schizophrenia in the same way as enlarged ventricles and reduced brain volume.
Understanding these brain changes is important in the diagnosis and research of schizophrenia, as it highlights the biological basis of the disorder and the importance of early detection and intervention.
