Effects of Methylphenidate on Brain and Cognition in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a neurogenetic condition associated with a high risk of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This population is characterized by a specific neurocognitive profile and atypical brain development. Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit with/without hyperactivity (ADHD). Although ADHD is one of the most important co-morbidities in 22q11DS, affecting 35-45% of patients, to date only two studies have focused on quantifying the efficacy of this treatment in this population. The objective of this study is to quantify the improvement in cognitive performance as well as the differences in brain connectivity associated with the methylphenidate molecule in a population at risk of cognitive impairment and the development of schizophrenia.