Magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus in first-episode psychosis

Objective: There is some evidence of thalamic abnormalities in schizophreni a. This study investigated thalamic volumes in patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis and nonpsychotic comparison subjects. Method: Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained for 38 patients and 29 comparison subjects. Patients' symptoms were rated by research psychiatr ists using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Results: Thalamic volumes were smaller in patients than in comparison subje cts. There were no significant correlations between thalamic volumes and sy mptom scores. Conclusions: Thalamic abnormalities are present close to the onset of psych osis.