Pituitary volume in people with chronic schizophrenia: Clarifying the roles of serious violence and childhood maltreatment

Aberrations in stress-linked hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function have been independently associated with schizophrenia, antisocial behaviour and childhood maltreatment. In this study, we examined pituitary volume (PV) relation to maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual neglect) men (i) schizophrenia a history of serious violence (n = 13), (ii) but without 15), (iii) personality disorder (ASPD) (iv) healthy participants 15). All underwent whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging. Experiences were rated based on interviews (for all), case clinical/forensic records patients only). There was trend for smaller PV, average, (regardless violence), compared the group ASPD group; other differences PV non-significant. Sexual abuse ratings correlated negatively PVs participants, no significant association between found participants. Our findings are consistent previous evidence smaller-than-normal chronic patients, suggest that illness-related influences may mask possible abuse-smaller association, seen here ASPD, population.