Effects of Alcohol Dependence Comorbidity and Antipsychotic Medication on Volumes of the Thalamus and Pons in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence are at risk for alcohol-related reduction of pontine structures that are not necessarily affected by schizophrenia per se. The effect of alcohol dependence on the thalamus in schizophrenic patients may be mitigated by the type of neuroleptic medication they receive.