Questions in the Mental Health Forum have been answered by Roger L. Gould, M.D., affiliated with U.C.L.A. and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: EEG's and Schizophrenia

Forum: The Mental Health Forum
Topic: Schizophrenia

Posted by jen on June 28, 1999 at 01:08:58

can eeg's and catscans detect schizophrenia or are they just done to rule out other problems? also, can there be any other reason that a person would hear voices besides schiz?

Posted by HFHS M.D.-SW on July 01, 1999 at 17:56:11

Dear Jen,

Schizophrenia is one of the most
devestating psychiatric illnesses. It involves perceptual and cognitive
disturbances and affective blunitng all of which lead to deterioration in
social and occupational functioning. Research supports changes in brain
structure and function with schizophrenia, but the radiographic tests are
not diagnostic. A thorough evaluation by a health professional is needed
to assure the diagnosis. CAT SCANS of the brain have demonstrated
increased ventricular-to-brain ratios, cerebral atrophy, and third ventricl
enlargement. MRI have supported these findings and suggested
abnormalities in neurodevelopment. EEG abnormalities have been noted
in schizophrenia, but are not diagnositc.
Auditory hallucinations are classically associated to schizophrenia, and
othe psychiatric illnesses. Other causes maybe illicit drugs, medications
and neurological lesions.
This response is provided for educational purposes only. Always
consult your
physician.

Sincerly,

HFHS-M.D.-SW

*Keywords: Schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations, neuroimaging

 

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