Can new paradigms bring new perspectives for mismatch negativity studies in schizophrenia?

Abstract

Attenuation of mismatch negativity (MMN), event-related potential (ERP) that assess dysfunction in auditory change detection, is a robust finding in schizophrenia. Most studies on MMN in schizophrenia use a two-tone paradigm in which the deviant sound has a different duration or frequency. Because this oddball paradigm has provided consistent results over time and has proven to be a reliable research tool, it dominates this area of research. Over twenty years of investigation into MMN in schizophrenia have shown that change in any of the characteristics of stimulation results in MMN; however there is surprisingly little evidence on MMN in schizophrenia from studies using stimulation other than the typical oddball paradigm. In this paper we focus on studies which have assessed auditory change discrimination in schizophrenia employing paradigms other than a typical oddball. We also briefly discuss research on visual MMN in schizophrenia. The aim was to highlight how research using new paradigms has added to understanding of MMN in schizophrenia. In conclusion we discuss stimulation which could be useful for future research on MMN in schizophrenia.