Objawy zespo u czo owego w schizofrenii i ot pieniu czo owo- -skroniowym: implikacje diagnostyczne i terapeutyczne

The prefrontal cortex in humans plays a pivotal role inhigher brain functions such as executive functions, workingmemory, action planning, decision making and processingof emotional signals. Its dysfunction may lead to significantdeterioration of behaviour manifesting with symptoms of“frontal syndrome”. Evidence from neuropsychologicaland neuroimaging studies suggests the involvement ofprefrontal cortex disturbance in schizophrenia. Structuraland functional abnormalities of the prefrontal cortex areconsidered as an underlying cause of negative symptoms.Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a neurodegenerativedisorder which results from frontotemporal lobardegeneration. It manifests with development ofneuropsychiatric symptoms. Since diverse conditions maycause alterations in prefrontal cortex functioning,manifestations of these disorders may overlap. Thesesimilarities may lead to diagnostic problems particularlyin cases with early onset FTD and schizophrenia withpredominant negative symptomatology.