The functional connectivity status of DMN and its anti-correlated networks across cognitive loads in clinical high risk for psychosis

The abnormal functional integration of DMN was widely observed in the psychosis. However, few studies focused on DMN in individuals at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR), especially under different cognitive loads. The present research predominantly focused on DMN and its antagonism with other networks using the functional MRI. To characterize the specificity of cognitive load-dependent antagonism between DMN and its anti-correlated networks in CHR, this study simulated a graded cognitive load continuum by implementing resting-state fMRI (Minimal cognitive load), passive SSVEP task (low cognitive load), and Emotional Face-Matching Task (high cognitive load). There were 36 CHR individuals and 39 healthy controls (HC) enrolled. Static and dynamic functional connectivity (sFC and dFC) were analyzed. The CHR subjects exhibited significantly reduced antagonism between higher-order cortices and DMN under low cognitive condition. Conversely, they demonstrated enhanced antagonism with greater fluctuation under high cognitive condition, likely a compensatory mechanism to maintain cognitive performance. Concurrently, the primary cortex demonstrated compensatory fluctuations during low cognitive load task. The neural signature reflects inefficient neural resource allocation and cognitive flexibility deficits, suggesting that dynamic brain network indicators based on cognitive load may become sensitive biomarkers for the early identification and intervention of CHR.