COMT Genotype, Cognition, and MEG Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Healthy Individuals and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

The research contained within this thesis investigated schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Approximately 80% of individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder also experience cognitive impairment. This cognitive impairment is associated with reduced quality of life, and likely involves both genetic and environmental factors. The current research investigated how the resting-state function of the brain and cognition in those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders differs to healthy individuals, and the influence of catechol-o-methyltransferase genotype on these differences. Findings represent an addition to the continued multidisciplinary research that will be required to advance knowledge of aetiology and treatment options for those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.