Jung S, et al. - A total of 94 first-episode patients (FEPs) and 52 healthy controls were recruited and were subjected to structural MRI in order to examine relations among gray matter (GM) volumes in language processing areas (LPAs), verbal ability, and positive symptoms in FEPs with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. Verbal intelligence levels and positive severity of symptoms were analyzed for associations with the left LPA volumes. It was discovered that in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, GM abnormalities in the LPAs, which could be identified during the early stage of illness, may underlie impaired verbal communication and positive symptoms.