Auditory Brainstem Response Abnormalities in Schizophrenic Patients with Auditory Hallucinations

Abstract

Background: although the exact pathogenesis of auditory hallucinations is not yet known, some suggested the impairment of perception and processing of auditory information as a possible explanation. So, the aim of this study is to evaluate auditory pathways of schizophrenic patients using auditory brainstem responses (ABR).

Methods: schizophrenic patients with auditory hallucinations and age and sex matched healthy non-relative controls were recruited in this case-control study. Scale for assessment of positive symptoms (SAPS) was used for rating the severity of hallucinations. Then, ABR recorded from all participants and the latencies of waves I, II, III, IV, V and inter-peak latencies (IPL) of waves I-III, III-V were analyzed on both sides. Chi squire and independent t tests were applied for statistical analysis. P-value≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: 39 patients and 35 controls were included. Latencies of waves III and V and IPL of III-V were significantly prolonged on the left side. Disease duration had no influence on the results.

Conclusion: there is a link between abnormal ABRs and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenic patients that indicates dysfunction and abnormal asymmetry of auditory pathways in these patients.