Abnormal inhibitory processes in semantic networks in schizophrenia

Abnormal language in schizophrenia has been regarded as a hallmark of this disorder. Language abnormalities include loose and unusual associations, tangentiality, and inability to maintain a topic. Recent theories of language dysfunction have invoked working memory abnormalities, as well as abnormal processes within semantic memory in schizophrenia. Two views, often construed as opposing, have been offered to account for language peculiarities in schizophrenia: one holds that initial processes of activation are abnormal while the other holds that late processes of context utilization might be disturbed. We suggest that these views may be complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Given the relative paucity of data on the early processes within semantic networks, we present new evidence using ERP short SOA paradigm that these processes are abnormal in schizophrenia. Furthermore, reduced N400 in the unrelated condition found in this study suggests that the abnormality was related to inefficient early inhibitory processes.