Neuroimaging auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia: from neuroanatomy to neurochemistry and beyond

Schizophr Bull. 2012 Jun;38(4):695-703. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbs066. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Abstract

Despite more than 2 decades of neuroimaging investigations, there is currently insufficient evidence to fully understand the neurobiological substrate of auditory hallucinations (AH). However, some progress has been made with imaging studies in patients with AH consistently reporting altered structure and function in speech and language, sensory, and nonsensory regions. This report provides an update of neuroimaging studies of AH with a particular emphasis on more recent anatomical, physiological, and neurochemical imaging studies. Specifically, we provide (1) a review of findings in schizophrenia and nonschizophrenia voice hearers, (2) a discussion regarding key issues that have interfered with progress, and (3) practical recommendations for future studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Functional Neuroimaging
  • Hallucinations / diagnostic imaging
  • Hallucinations / metabolism
  • Hallucinations / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Neuroimaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiography
  • Schizophrenia / diagnostic imaging
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*