SN/VTA neuromelanin signal is associated with subclinical paranoia irrespective of familial risk for psychosis.

ABSTRACT: Subclinical paranoia is present in the relatives of patients with psychosis but it is also relatively common in the general population. Dopamine neurotransmission is increased in people with psychosis and is linked with positive symptoms, such as paranoia. Here, we examined if neuromelanin-sensitive MRI, a proxy of long-term dopamine turnover, is different between those with (n = 25) and without (n = 77) a first-degree relative with psychosis (N = 102). We further tested whether neuromelanin-sensitive MRI was associated with the experience of subclinical paranoia as measured by the paranoia checklist. We found that there was no difference in neuromelanin-sensitive MRI signal between those with and without a first-degree relative. However, neuromelanin-sensitive MRI was significantly associ

SUBMITTER: Hamati R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12929623 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature