Structural and Functional Neuroanatomy of the Prefrontal Cortex: Correlating Morphological Features with Executive Function Deficits in Psychiatric Disorders”

Abstract

Background: The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a crucial role in regulating executive functions such as working memory, planning, attention, and cognitive flexibility. Structural and functional abnormalities of the PFC have been implicated in a variety of psychiatric disorders. This study aims to correlate morphological changes in the PFC with executive function deficits in individuals diagnosed with major psychiatric illnesses.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021 with a sample size of 100 participants (50 patients with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) were used to assess gray matter volume and prefrontal activity. Executive functions were evaluated using standardized neuropsychological tests, including the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Stroop Test.

Results: Patients with psychiatric disorders demonstrated significant reductions in gray matter volume and functional hypoactivation in the dorsolateral and orbitofrontal regions of the PFC compared to controls (p < 0.05). These neuroanatomical changes strongly correlated with poorer performance on executive function tasks.

Conclusion: Structural and functional alterations in the PFC are closely associated with executive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. These findings support the role of the PFC as a central neural substrate underlying cognitive deficits in mental illness and highlight its potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and targeted intervention.