Neurophysiological aspects of distractability in schizophrenics: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Distractability in schizophrenics was discussed in neurophysiological terms. A review of the literature strongly suggested that schizophrenics may be abnormally distractible, i.e., show an increased tendency to react to irrelevant stimuli. The neuroanatomical structures most clearly implicated in signs of distractability by neurophysiological and behavioral evidence are the prefrontal (orbital) cortex, the nonspecific thalamo-cortical projection system and inhibitory regions of the reticular formation. The disturbed functioning of these structures could come about as a result of a lowered task-related activation, primarily of the prefrontal cortices. Dopaminergic activity could influence the regions involved, suggesting a dopaminergic component in distractability in schizophrenics. The regions in question may also be influenced by other biochemical systems, such as the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems.