Characterization of Neural Activity Using Complex Network Theory: An Application to the Study of Schizophrenia

This book reports on the development and assessment of a novel framework for studying neural interactions (the connectome) and their dynamics (the chronnectome) in patients with schizophrenia. It uses EEG recordings to assess changes in brain activation and presents evidence for the disconnection hypothesis and the aberrant salience hypothesis. It also proposes a novel approach to combining local and network measures to characterize schizophrenia brain dynamics and highlights differences in brain patterns between healthy controls and patients.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 67 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the development and evaluation of a groundbreaking framework for studying neural interactions, known as the connectome, and their dynamic counterparts, the chronnectome. By utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) recordings obtained during an auditory oddball task performed by 48 patients with schizophrenia and 87 healthy controls, the authors aimed to assess changes in brain activation from pre-stimulus to cognitive response. Their analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups, highlighting the potential impact of these abnormalities on cognitive functioning in schizophrenia.

In order to explore the origins of these network abnormalities, the book presents novel evidence supporting the disconnection hypothesis and the aberrant salience hypothesis in schizophrenia. It further proposes a novel approach to combining local regularity measures and graph measures to characterize schizophrenia brain dynamics, yielding intriguing findings regarding the regularity of brain patterns in healthy control subjects compared to patients with schizophrenia. Beyond providing valuable support for the disconnection hypothesis, this work offers insightful perspectives and potential research directions for the field of schizophrenia research.

The authors of this book have made significant contributions to our understanding of neural networks and their role in cognitive disorders. Their meticulous research and innovative approach have shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and opened up new avenues for therapeutic interventions. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and individuals interested in gaining deeper insights into the brain mechanisms underlying mental health disorders.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030499020
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021