Project Summary

Patrick D. Skosnik, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2005) of Indiana University, points out that several lines of evidence in recent years have demonstrated that schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with disruptions in neural synchronization (NS), or the ability of neural circuits to oscillate in phase with sensory stimuli. While alterations in visual NS have been observed in SZ (via the encephalogram (EEG)), it remains unclear whether such changes also occur in schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) or in cannabis use, both of which are risk factors for the development of SZ. The current proposal thus seeks to evaluate the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) in SPD, healthy cannabis-using subjects, and controls utilizing EEG. Spectral power, signal to noise ratio, and phase relationships will be derived from EEG responses to periodic flickers across several frequencies of stimulation. A battery of psychometric questionnaires and tests of form and motion perception will be administered simultaneously to ascertain possible relationships between the SSVEP and subjective/psychophysical measures of perceptual processing. These data could provide insights into the relationship between SPD, cannabis use, endocannabinoid deregulation, and role of altered NS in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Program Area: PERSONALITY DISORDERS\Schizotypal Personality Disorder

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