Hyperfrontality is an index of acute psychosis
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Findings from psychedelic studies, including with psilocybin and ketamine, report hyperfrontality, or significantly increased activation in various areas of the frontal cortex, especially the anterior cingulate cortex (Vollenweider2001b).
A common finding in schizophrenic patients is the presence of hyperperfusion (increased activity) in the frontal cortex, ACC, parietal cortex, and temporal cortex, which correlates positively with positive symptoms of schizophrenia and grandiosity in drug-naive patients, which is normalized after treatment (Vollenweider2001b). Persistent negative symptoms correlate with frontal cortex, ACC, basal, and thalamus hypoperfusion.
- Metabolic hyperfrontality, rather than hypofrontality (as is seen in chronic schizophrenia) may be a manifestation of acute symptoms in both drug-induced and naturally-occurring psychosis.