Which age group experiences cortical gray matter loss related to schizophrenia?

The correct answer highlights that the age group experiencing cortical gray matter loss related to schizophrenia primarily includes teenagers extending into their early twenties. Research has shown that this developmental period is crucial because the brain undergoes significant changes, including synaptic pruning and the refinement of neural pathways.

Individuals with schizophrenia tend to exhibit alterations in gray matter volume during this time, which can contribute to the symptomatology of the disorder. Studies have identified that the onset of schizophrenia commonly occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, coinciding with these neurodevelopmental changes. The loss of cortical gray matter in this demographic can be linked to the progression of the disorder, potentially leading to functional impairments and the emergence of positive and negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

In contrast, other age groups listed, such as infants, middle-aged adults, and older adults, do not show the same patterns of cortical gray matter loss specifically associated with the onset and progression of schizophrenia. While aging may contribute to general cognitive decline and changes in gray matter, the specific relationship to schizophrenia during the late teenage years is a critical focus of ongoing research in psychiatric and developmental psychology.