Glutamate concentrations and cognitive deficits in ultra-treatment-resistant schizophrenia: An exploratory and comparative 1H-MRS study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Glutamate plays a crucial role in cognition, learning, and mood regulation, with studies suggesting glutamatergic dysfunction in chronic schizophrenia. This study explored glutamate levels in the occipital cortex (OCC) and cognitive function in ultra-treatment resistant schizophrenia (uTRS) compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Fifteen uTRS participants and 19 healthy controls underwent 3T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to measure glutamate levels in the OCC. Cognitive performance was assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). RESULTS: No significant differences in OCC glutamate levels were found between uTRS participants and healthy..