Neural correlates of aggression in schizophrenia: An event-related potential study using the competitive reaction time task.

Background: The neural mechanisms underlying aggressive behavior in schizophrenia (SCZ) remain poorly understood. To date, no studies have reported on the event-related potential (ERP) characteristics of aggression in SCZ using the competitive reaction time task (CRTT). Further investigation into the ERP correlates of aggression in SCZ would provide valuable insights into the neural processes involved.

Aim: To explore the neural mechanism of aggressive behavior in SCZ.

Methods: Participants of this study included 40 SCZ patients and 42 healthy controls (HCs). The Reactive Proactive Aggression Questionnaire was used to assess trait of aggression. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 was used to measure impulsiveness. The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate psychopathological features and disease severity. All participants were measured with ERP while performing the CRTT. Data of behavior, ERP components (P2, N2, and P3), and feedback-related negativity (FRN) were analyzed.

Results: Analysis of the behavioral data revealed that compared with HCs, SCZ patients exhibited higher punishment choices. Analysis of ERP components showed that compared with HCs, SCZ patients exhibited higher N2 amplitudes and P2 amplitudes during the decision phase of the CRTT; however, SCZ patients exhibited lower FRN amplitudes and lower P3 amplitudes during the outcome phase of the CRTT. The N2 amplitudes evoked by high-intensity provocation were positively related to PANSS-P scores. And the P3 amplitudes evoked in the winning trials were negatively correlated with the PANSS-G scores.

Conclusion: SCZ patients exhibit abnormal ERP characteristics evoked by the CRTT, which suggests the neural correlates of aggressive behavior in SCZ.