A three-dimensional morphometric study of craniofacial shape in schizophrenia

Am J Psychiatry. 2005 Mar;162(3):606-8. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.162.3.606.

Abstract

Background: Subtle dysmorphogenesis of the craniofacial region constitutes important corroborating evidence of the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia. Advances in facial visualization now allow for three-dimensional anthropometric evaluations of potentially greater discriminatory power in examining the complex geometric relationships of facial topography.

Method: Sixty-five anthropometrically derived landmarks were identified from three-dimensional facial images collected from 14 patients with schizophrenia and 11 comparison subjects, imaged with a high-resolution, portable laser scanner.

Results: Using the Procrustes morphometric approach for shape analysis, the difference in mean shapes was highly significant, with patients exhibiting superoinferior elongation of the face.

Conclusions: The topography of craniofacial anomalies in schizophrenia is not random and points to midline deformation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anthropometry / methods*
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / diagnosis*
  • Face / anatomy & histology*
  • Female
  • Holography
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / statistics & numerical data*
  • Lasers
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Sex Factors