Final answer:
The most common structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenic patients include reductions in brain volume, especially in the gray matter, and ventricular enlargement, both of which are linked to symptoms and disease severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Brain Abnormalities in Schizophrenic Patients
The most common finding in structural analyses of the brains of schizophrenic patients includes reductions in brain volume, particularly in the gray matter. This reduction tends to be more pronounced in certain areas such as the temporal and frontal lobes, as well as in the thalamus. Additionally, studies have found abnormal functioning and structure within the dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, which are essential for normal cognitive processes. Such structural changes are associated with a variety of symptoms observed in schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, ventricular enlargement is another significant finding, indicating a loss of brain tissue and associated with disease severity and the manifestation of negative symptoms.