Inflammation's Role in Reducing Motivation and Brain Circuit Changes in Schizophrenia

A recent study from Emory University has uncovered important insights into how inflammation relates to motivational deficits in individuals with schizophrenia. Published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, the research identified that elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation produced by the liver, correlate with reduced activity in brain circuits responsible for reward and motivation. These brain alterations are specifically linked to negative symptoms observed in schizophrenia, such as difficulties in maintaining employment, relationships, or academic pursuits. Interestingly, inflammation levels did not show a connection to other symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or depression.

The study focused on a key brain circuit involving the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex—areas known to be sensitive to inflammation in depression as well. Researchers found that higher CRP levels were associated with diminished functional connectivity within these reward-related regions, which likely contributes to motivational impairments.

This discovery is significant because current antipsychotic medications often fail to address these negative symptoms, which are strongly linked to poor functional outcomes in patients. By understanding the biological underpinnings involving inflammation, scientists are moving toward more targeted treatments. One promising approach is testing anti-inflammatory drugs like infliximab, commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, in clinical trials with schizophrenia patients exhibiting high inflammation and motivational challenges.

Dr. David Goldsmith from Emory emphasizes that this research advances the potential for precision medicine in schizophrenia, proposing that treatments addressing inflammation could offer relief specifically for patients with elevated inflammatory markers. Overall, these findings pave the way for innovative therapies aimed at improving motivation and daily functioning for individuals affected by schizophrenia.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-links-inflammation-brain-circuit-schizophrenia.html