Project Summary

Melita L. Daley, M.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of the University of California, Los Angeles, will use MRI studies to investigate the common and distinct neuroanatomical abnormalities, specifically the volumes of gray and white matter in the brain, of adolescents with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and normal controls. Dr. Daley hypothesizes that adolescents with schizophrenia and psychotic-bipolar disorder will show significantly smaller white and gray matter brain volumes in the temporal and the prefrontal cortex areas, as well as smaller amygdala and hippocampal volumes compared to normal adolescents, with the non-psychotic bipolar disorder group’s volumes being intermediate between the schizophrenia/psychotic-bipolar disorder and normal groups. Results of his study will provide critical steps toward expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental disorders and normal development and in the long-term enhance our ability to treat and prevent these illnesses.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

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