A researcher is investigating estrogen's role in delaying the onset of psychotic disorders, which affect men earlier in life. Estrogen may help protect against psychosis by supporting brain flexibility and serotonin activity, according to the researcher.
Consuelo Walss-Bass's family was affected by schizophrenia, yet her sister was spared. Her laboratory addresses the genetic gap by exploring signaling alterations in neurons derived from affected sibling pairs, identifying convergent abnormalities in PI3K/GSK3 signaling.
A new study suggests that volatility priors, a brain's expectations about environment unpredictability, can be modified to reduce delusion severity in schizophrenia patients. The study found that volatility priors decrease over time as delusion severity improves, making them a potential treatment target.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026
A systematic review of over 100 studies found that social determinants of health, such as stress, trauma, and poverty, affect brain changes linked to schizophrenia. The study suggests that understanding these environmental factors can lead to improved and targeted clinical interventions.
The STAR study found that an integrated Trauma-Focused-CBTp was safe and highly effective for people with co-occurring diagnoses of psychosis and PTSD. Participants showed significant improvements in various outcomes, including PTSD symptom severity, psychosis symptoms, mood disorders, and emotional well-being.
A team studied 173 multiplex families from the Azores and Madeira islands, finding a single broken gene that travels through three generations and causes different illnesses. The CHD2 mutation is rare and affects schizophrenia, mood disorder, and autism in different family members.
Research reveals cannabis and tobacco co-use is associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. This critical gap in research provides clinicians and scientists with vital new insights into the risks of co-use on vulnerable youth.
Mount Sinai researchers have uncovered a substantial genetic component to postpartum psychosis, a rare psychiatric illness that occurs after childbirth. The study found rare damaging mutations in the HMGCR gene and significant genetic overlap with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that nearly 8 in 10 college students with psychosis needed mental health support, but only 4 in 10 received the recommended combination of therapy and antipsychotic medication. This indicates potential barriers to accessing care, including stigma.
A new study identifies over 500 genetic loci associated with psychosis, including 122 novel associations, suggesting a close link between cannabis use disorder and psychosis. The research provides potential grounds for identifying those at risk and developing targeted interventions.
A new study published in Nature Mental Health found that using cannabis and tobacco together significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic disorders like schizophrenia among those considered high risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that co-use was associated with a nearly threefold increased ...
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
Research found that gender-diverse teens reported higher rates of psychological stress and psychotic-like experiences, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Bullying and unsupportive legislation drove these findings.
Early alterations in the brain's clearance system may contribute to psychosis vulnerability. A study found that individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic condition, had impaired glymphatic system function from childhood, which may promote psychosis onset.
Emerging research across conceptual frameworks, biomarker science, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence synthesizes a translational pathway toward a more biologically grounded and clinically useful approach to psychiatric diagnosis. The current system falls short due to standardized clinical language and lack of biological ...
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
A study found distinct inflammatory biomarkers and brain signatures for early-stage depression and psychosis, differing even in the earliest stages. These findings support customized therapies and may reduce risk of severe progression.
The study reveals that psychosis does not follow a single trajectory but is influenced by individual differences and treatment. It shows that cortical volume reduction, particularly in regions with high serotonin and dopamine receptor density, is a hallmark of the disease.
A large study of over 12 million people in Ontario found that psychosis rates are increasing in more recent generations, with higher rates among younger individuals. The study suggests that factors such as substance use, socioeconomic stress, and negative childhood experiences may contribute to these rising trends.
New study finds psychosis delusions emerge from emotional experiences, bodily reactions, and linguistic fabric. Participants described intense emotional embodiment and disembodiment, with some experiencing positive feelings of awe and love.
Researchers at Flinders University discover a genetic mutation that silences a brain receptor, rendering it unresponsive to both natural trace amines and clinical drug candidates. The C182F variant eliminates receptor signaling and reduces cell surface expression, with profound implications for emerging psychiatric treatments.
The study used advanced neuroimaging methods to identify early, network-level changes in over 3,000 individuals at varying levels of risk for psychosis. Individuals at high clinical risk exhibited early disruptions in brain network organisation despite mild clinical symptoms.
Large language models can help improve psychological questionnaires by avoiding redundant items and making diagnosis more efficient. The study found that LLMs recognize common symptom associations and can be used to develop precise and efficient questionnaires.
International Consortium of Women's Mental Health Experts recommend classifying postpartum psychosis as a distinct category within standardized medical coding systems. This classification is crucial for improving patient outcomes and saving lives, particularly due to the risks associated with the condition to both patients and infants.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that uses MRI scans to predict which patients with mental illnesses will gain weight after diagnosis, and which ones won't. The BMIgap tool has the potential to prevent future weight gain and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and UCL found that living in a safe neighborhood with high personal trust reduces psychosis risk among Swedish or European origin residents, but increases it for North African or Middle Eastern origin individuals. The researchers emphasize the need for inclusive environments to promote mental heal...
Groundbreaking research by Dr. Bruce M. Cohen has uncovered critical abnormalities in energy metabolism and cellular connectivity that contribute to psychiatric disorders. The study's findings suggest therapeutic avenues that may be better targeted and more effective than current treatments.
Individuals with psychosis reported a large increase in current cannabis use following legalization, exceeding previous estimates for the general population. This finding highlights the need for policymakers to consider the potential health impacts of cannabis use on individuals with psychosis.
A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.
A systematic review of 23 primary studies found a positive association between racial/ethnic discrimination and psychosis risk. The largest effect sizes were observed in non-clinical settings, suggesting that experiences of racism may play a role in the development of psychosis.
A nationwide app called CHAMPS aims to support safer cannabis consumption among young adults who've experienced a psychotic episode. The pilot study found the app to be well-regarded and can be integrated into real clinical environments.
Research from King's College London and University of Bath found that people who self-medicate with cannabis for physical or mental discomfort are more likely to develop paranoia and anxiety. The study also discovered a link between childhood trauma and increased paranoia scores, which is exacerbated by cannabis use.
Increased cannabis potency has been linked to a rise in schizophrenia cases. THC content has increased by 5 times since the 2000s, contributing to this correlation.
Dr. Camilo de la Fuente-Sandoval has developed a groundbreaking approach to schizophrenia treatment prediction using neuroimaging and comprehensive clinical care. His team's research reveals elevated glutamate levels in the associative striatum that normalize with effective antipsychotic treatment.
Research found that women whose sister experienced postpartum psychosis are over 10 times more likely to experience it themselves. The study highlights genetic and shared environmental influences and suggests early recognition and prevention are crucial.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
Researchers identified risk factors for sudden unusual mental or somatic experiences, including past psychedelic use, reality distorting practices, and extensive spiritual practice. These findings can help clinicians diagnose and treat associated suffering, and inform the development of practical guidelines.
Researchers have identified differences in neural connectivity patterns between patients with recovered and persistent psychosis. These differences enable the development of new intervention strategies for patients with psychosis, according to a study published in Nature Mental Health.
Researchers found individuals with cannabis use disorder exhibit increased dopamine levels in the brain, a key factor in psychosis. This study suggests that regular cannabis use is linked to signs of increased dopamine activity.
Researchers have found that people with cannabis use disorder have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region associated with psychosis. This could explain why frequent cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions. The study's findings may help doctors educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis u...
The latest APA journal issues explore treatment and risk factors for schizophrenia, as well as medical mistrust and bias. Research also examines the management of borderline personality disorder, including good psychiatric practice and its effectiveness.
Dr. Consuelo Walss-Bass shares her groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of considering both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. She also discusses her work with induced pluripotent stem cells to develop personalized psychiatry and reduce stigma around mental health.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that increases glycine decarboxylase enzyme, linked to schizophrenia behaviors in mice. The study provides a direct genetic link to psychosis and sheds light on the biochemical pathways involved.
Studies identified 153 cases of psychosis caused by brain lesions, which connected to a common circuit in the hippocampus. The circuit, including the rostromedial prefrontal cortex, is a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, potentially improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
A new study published in Brain Medicine reveals that over 26.7% of schizophrenia patients experience distinct manic symptoms, which can be predicted by the severity of positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
A pilot study will explore whether a ketogenic diet helps stabilize mood symptoms in teens and young adults with bipolar disorder. Preliminary research suggests improvements in mood and executive function among older adults.
Dr. Carrie Bearden's groundbreaking work combines genetic and brain development insights to identify early warning signs of psychosis in adolescents. Her research has exciting implications for personalized medicine and targeted preventive treatments.
Emory University MD candidate Fayzan Rab's research investigates the economic and public health implications of psychedelic therapy implementation. His work emphasizes making these innovative treatments accessible to traditionally underserved communities.
Research from King's College London finds that frequent cannabis use increases psychosis risk, regardless of genetic load for schizophrenia. The study used polygenic risk scores to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that nearly 68% of Canadian patients who used antipsychotics had more behavioral issues than before medication. Non-drug therapies like music and social interaction have been shown to help manage behavior without antipsychotics.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that virtual reality training increased empathy and sympathy towards individuals with mental health conditions in police officers. The training, which simulated realistic scenarios, allowed officers to practice handling complex civilian interactions with greater emotional connection.
A new study found that cannabis use worsens reduced brain connectivity in individuals at high risk of psychosis. This deficit is associated with symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation, which are difficult to treat with current medications.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
The study found that frequent users of high-potency cannabis had changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene. This effect was not explained by tobacco's impact on DNA methylation. The research provides valuable insights into how cannabis use may alter biological processes.
Research from five European countries suggests that migration in adolescence may increase the risk of psychosis in later life. Migrants from racially minoritized backgrounds face an even higher risk of developing psychotic disorders.
A study of 350 million primary care visits found that mental health concerns are a significant part of everyday care, affecting 1 in 9 patients. The prevalence of mental health issues was equal to respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, with depression, anxiety, and psychosis being common conditions.
A study by McLean Hospital found that high doses of amphetamine increase the risk of new-onset psychosis or mania in adults. The risk is highest for those taking 30 mg or more of dextroamphetamine, with an 81% attributable risk percentage.
Researchers at McGill University have made new findings on the consistency of delusion themes in youth and young adults with psychosis. The study, involving over 600 patients, suggests that delusions often persist even as other symptoms improve, requiring different treatment strategies.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that children with persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders, including psychosis and depression, in early adulthood. The research also discovered that those who experienced inflammation at a young age were more likely to devel...
Researchers have discovered a link between cognitive impairments and brain network organization in individuals at risk of developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. This finding suggests an opportunity for early diagnosis and intervention, potentially through non-invasive neuromodulation.