Spectroscopy: A Predictor for Schizophrenia Outcomes?

Although interest in using brain imaging techniques for diagnostic and predictive purposes is on the rise, few studies have returned positive results. Now, a group of Australian researchers, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, have found evidence that the ratio of N-acetylaspartate and choline-containing compounds to creatine and phosphocreatine (NAA/Cr ratio) in the prefrontal cortex is linked to poorer outcomes in schizophrenia. The found no significant relationship between other spectroscopic measures and outcome. The researchers noted that NAA/Cr ratio is not a good predictor of early psychosis; however, it does explain 17%-30% of outcome variance. This study appeared in the Archives of General Psychiatry. http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/63/9/969

-PC