Disease specificity of the brain morphologic changes in psychiatric disorders

In this study, we used magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the disease specificity of brain morphologic changes in schizophrenia. Gray matter reduction in the superior temporal and anterior cingulate gyri existed prior to the onset of schizophrenia. Progressive gray matter loss in the temporal region during early stages was specific to schizophrenia among various psychiatric disorders. However, enlarged pituitary volume, which might reflect stress vulnerability, and alteration in the olfactory sulcus depth, a potential neurodevelopmental marker, were general findings among several neuropsychiatric disorders.