The insula–claustrum region and delusions in schizophrenia

Objective We examined the relationship between cerebral gray matter (GM) volume and severity of delusions and hallucinations in adults with schizophrenia. Method MRI scans in 43 patients with schizophrenia were acquired. Correlations were computed between GM volume and clinician ratings of hallucinations and delusions. Results The analysis revealed significant inverse correlations between ratings of the severity of delusions and volumes of the left claustrum and right insula. Significant correlations were not observed between cerebral GM volume and ratings of hallucinations. Conclusion The insula/claustrum region may be critical to the experience of delusions and more careful scrutiny of the claustrum in relation to schizophrenia appears warranted.