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Study finds biomarkers for psychiatric symptoms in patients with rare genetic condition 22q

A recent study led by UC Davis Health researchers provides new insights into the molecular changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can lead to psychosis, ADHD, and other conditions. The study identified two biomarkers, taurine and arachidonic acid, which could predict likelihood of psychosis in patien...

Predicting psychosis before it occurs

A machine-learning tool trained on brain MRI scans of over 2,000 people worldwide can accurately predict psychosis before it occurs. The tool achieved an accuracy rate of 85% in training and 73% in testing, suggesting its potential as a valuable aid for early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Studying the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in young adults

A study published in ScienceDirect reviews the overlap between cannabis use and psychosis, highlighting the potential risks of cannabis on neurobiology. The study suggests that cannabis can exacerbate psychosis symptoms and impact motivation and attention, but also notes some potential benefits of cannabis use for social functioning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychiatric Clinics of North America·DateJan 23, 2024

New study explores how young people with early-onset psychosis view substance use and interventions

A new study by Southern Methodist University's Neely Myers found that young people with early-onset psychosis are ambivalent about stopping substance use. Participants offered feedback on ways to improve care, including more information about substance use and strategies for addressing psychological and physical pain.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalEarly Intervention in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateDec 19, 2023

November issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new insights in psychotic disorders, barriers to addiction treatment, bipolar disorder treatment, and more

The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2023

People with severe mental illness at 50 per cent higher risk of death following COVID-19 infection

A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

Brain connectivity is disrupted in schizophrenia

Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

A recent study by McGill University found that young adults who experience more frequent psychotic thoughts also spend more time on digital media. However, the study suggests that digital media use does not cause or exacerbate these experiences. Instead, it may be a factor in accessing mental health information and services.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateAug 31, 2023

Antipsychotic drugs work differently than scientists believed

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that antipsychotic drugs interact with a different neuron type than scientists originally believed, which could lead to better treatments for schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest that the effect of antipsychotics on dopamine receptors has little bearing on their efficacy in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

U of M Medical School receives DARPA award to develop detection tools for early symptoms of depression, psychosis and suicidality

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School are developing tools to detect early symptoms of depression, psychosis, and suicidality using biomarkers and advanced technologies. The project aims to provide early prevention and detection, potentially saving lives by intervening earlier in a condition's trajectory.

Black, Latino and other minoritized youth need better early psychosis care, SMU anthropologist learns

A recent study by SMU anthropologist Neely Myers found that ethnoracially minoritized youth are less likely to utilize early intervention programs and more likely to drop out once they begin. Culturally sensitive care can help, but family culture and language play a significant role in healthcare disparities.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 5, 2023

Tablet-based screening doubles detection of psychosis symptoms in youth

A study found that a 21-question pre-visit survey on a tablet significantly increased the detection of psychosis symptoms in young people. However, it did not reduce the time between first psychotic symptoms and treatment. The technology-based screening improved clinical decision-making but highlighted challenges in scaling up programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 17, 2023

AGEs mediate between muscular strength and psychotic symptoms: A birth cohort study

A birth cohort study found that muscular strength is associated with higher risk of psychotic symptoms, which may be mediated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in adolescence. Low muscular strength was linked to higher levels of pentosidine, a representative AGE, and increased thought problems as a psychotic symptom indicator.

Grey matter volume could inform treatment decisions for developing mental health disorders

A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

White matter microstructure reveals developmental risk for psychosis

A new study found that white matter structural tracts are relatively stable throughout typical development, but show increased instability in children with psychosis spectrum symptoms. The integrity of these tracts was lower in children with psychosis and associated with cognitive function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 22, 2021

Anxiety in children and adolescents could lead to young adult psychosis

A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Persistent, distressing psychotic-like experiences associated with impairment in youth

A new study found that children with persistent, distressing PLEs show impaired cognition, higher levels of psychopathology, and delayed developmental milestone achievement compared to those without these experiences. The researchers highlight the need for early intervention and support for youth who report these experiences.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 17, 2021