Schizophrenia

Ragy R. Girgis, M.D at Columbia University will assess the timing of brain changes that occur during a period before the onset of schizophrenia known as clinical high risk (CHR). A large body of evidence suggests that increased dopamine transmission in the associative striatum (AST) is a key pathophysiological phenomenon in schizophrenia. What is unknown is whether dopamine abnormalities outside the striatum co-occur, precede, or follow dopamine dysregulation in the striatum, especially during the CHR. Using PET imaging techniques, Girgis’ research will provide insight into this question.