Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

Introduction Understanding the neural dynamics underlying early psychosis (EP) is critical for advancing diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates the role of entropy—a measure of unpredictability or disorder—in characterizing neural activity in EP. By examining both temporal entropy—patterns of activity within specific brain regions and networks—and spatial entropy—patterns of inter-regional communication—we aim to identify distinct signatures of neural disorganization in EP patients compared to healthy controls. Entropy is a measure of the uncertainty or unpredictability of a system's state, but it can also reflect physical characteristics, with higher entropy often indicating greater disorder.1 While brain synchronization as measured by entropy may measure psychedelic modulation of consciousness2, less is known about entropy in psychotic disorders. Disruptions in functional connectivity, particularly involving front-limbic circuits and default mode network activity3, provide critical insights into the mechanisms of early psychosis and may inform novel hypotheses and interventions.4 Measures of spatial and temporal brain entropy may capture features of early psychosis, particularly positive symptomatology. We hypothesize that EP patients will exhibit higher temporal and spatial entropy, reflecting more disorganized neural dynamics. Further, we anticipate that the most pronounced entropy disruptions will occur in brain regions and networks associated with cognitive control and emotional processing. This study will contribute to the growing body of research linking neural entropy to psychopathology, providing potential biomarkers for EP and insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease. The results could inform precision medicine approaches, paving the way for more targeted interventions in psychosis. Aims Assess whether early psychosis (EP) patients exhibit different patterns of temporal entropy in specific brain regions and networks compared to healthy controls. Assess differences in spatial entropy of inter-regional communication patterns between EP patients and healthy controls. Test associations between entropy and clinical symptoms and cognitive function. References 1. Carhart-Harris RL, Leech R, Hellyer PJ, et al. The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs. Front Hum Neurosci. 2014;8. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020 2. Cruzat J, Perl YS, Escrichs A, et al. Effects of classic psychedelic drugs on turbulent signatures in brain dynamics. Network Neuroscience. 2022;6(4):1104-1124. doi:10.1162/netn_a_00250 3. Luppi AI, Craig MM, Pappas I, et al. Consciousness-specific dynamic interactions of brain integration and functional diversity. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):4616. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-12658-9 4. Carhart-Harris RL, Leech R, Erritzoe D, et al. Functional Connectivity Measures After Psilocybin Inform a Novel Hypothesis of Early Psychosis. Schizophrenia Bulletin. 2013;39(6):1343-1351. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbs117