A Disrupted Visual Attention Network in Schizophrenia?

Cognitive deficits, a core feature of schizophrenia, are seen in multiple domains, including attention, working memory, executive functioning, and verbal learning. These cognitive deficits are often present before the onset of psychosis and are the best predictor of functional outcomes. Deficits in visual attention are particularly problematic for patients with schizophrenia and can interfere with daily life. The present researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine the white-matter tracts connecting components of the visuospatial attention network in 34 participants with schizophrenia and 69 healthy controls.

Of particular interest was the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), which connects the parietal, occipital, and tempo…