Schizo-Obsessive Disorder: A Brief Report of Neuroimaging Findings

Background: The term 'schizo-obsessive disorder' was coined to describe schizophrenia (SCZ) patients who are also affected by obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) or also meet the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Several studies have investigated the clinical and epidemiological features of OCS/OCD in SCZ, but the neuroimaging literature is sparse. The aim of this brief report is to describe some of the most important neuroimaging findings regarding schizo-obsessive disorder.

Methods: A literature search of the PubMed electronic database was conducted up to July 25, 2015. Search terms included 'schizo-obsessive' combined with the names of specific neuroimaging techniques.

Results: Neuroimaging studies suggest that there may be a specific pattern of neuroanatomic dysfunction in schizo-obsessive patients, but the number of studies is limited and conclusions are preliminary because reports are of an exploratory nature.

Conclusions: Further neurobiological research is needed to definitely determine whether schizo-obsessive disorder might have unique neuroanatomical and functional alterations.