Hypofrontality in Schizophrenia Hypofrontality, or reduced activity in the brain's frontal lobes, is a well-established feature of schizophrenia. The frontal lobes are responsible for various executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, working memory, and inhibitory control, which are often impaired in individuals with schizophrenia. Proposed mechanisms Several studies using neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have shown reduced activation or metabolism in the frontal lobes of individuals with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. This hypofrontality has been linked to the negative symptoms and cognitive impairments commonly observed in schizophrenia. reduced blood flow reduced dopaminergic activation reduced metabolism However, it is important to note that hypofrontality's exact nature and causes in schizophrenia are not yet fully understood and require further research. Additio