Articles tagged with Psychosis
A new study published in Heart Rhythm found that over 10% of patients taking quetiapine or haloperidol developed heart rhythm disorders. The study highlights the need for vigilant monitoring of patients using these medications to minimize the risk of cardiac complications.
A large brain imaging study discovered reduced grey matter volume across nearly all brain regions in individuals with Early Onset Psychosis, a critical period of brain development. The study provides unprecedented levels of detail about the illness and may assist in future diagnosis and track treatment effects.
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.
Research suggests that big data and artificial intelligence can aid in developing bespoke therapies for psychosis. The study proposes refining existing therapies and exploring alternative approaches to improve outcomes for patients.
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...
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.
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.
A study of 26.9 million individuals in four Canadian provinces found that commercialized cannabis was associated with increases in cannabis-related health harms, including psychosis. Non-medical cannabis legalization without restrictions did not lead to a significant increase in hospitalizations due to cannabis.
A new study found that individuals visiting the emergency department for substance-induced psychosis have an 18.5% risk of developing schizophrenia within three years. Younger age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, particularly for cannabis use.
A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that antipsychotic drug use increased in all provinces of Canada during the first year of the pandemic. The percentage of residents receiving these medications without a diagnosis of psychosis rose significantly. Meanwhile, other areas such as falls and pressure ulcers showed no significant changes.
A study found that excitatory-inhibitory imbalance, characterized by higher glutamate levels and lower GABA levels, precedes psychosis in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This imbalance is associated with hippocampal atrophy and cognitive decline.
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.
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.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A study of commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data from 2003 to 2017 found no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescribed antipsychotics between states with medical or recreational cannabis policies and those without. The findings suggest continued evaluation of psychosis as a potential conse...
Research identifies significant barriers in ER care for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, including emotional, diagnostic, and logistical challenges. Broad changes are needed to improve emergency care for this patient population.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients' brains have highly modular semantic networks with distinct categories and disorganized structure, leading to impaired thought processes. This study provides new insights into the 'loosening of associations' in schizophrenia.
A new paper by researchers at the University of Birmingham argues that a 'one size fits all' approach to treating early psychosis may not be effective. Instead, they propose using machine learning techniques to deliver tailored treatment plans that address individual needs and improve outcomes.
Research shows that family involvement in psychosis treatment can lead to improved patient outcomes when caregivers use motivational interviewing-based communication strategies. This study found significant improvements in caregiver wellbeing, self-efficacy, and reduced conflict, but no change in treatment adherence.
A Columbia University study found that most mass murderers in academic settings lacked severe mental illness, with firearms being the primary method used. The researchers suggest that cultural and social factors, such as gun violence romanticization, are key drivers of these events.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. People with psychotic disorders are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without a psychotic disorder, according to the review.
A study of 137 children with early-onset psychosis found that over 70% had copy number variants, a common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that chromosomal microarray testing can bring closure to families and improve treatment outcomes.
Indiana University researchers are using a mouse model to study the effects of cannabis use during adolescence, which could impair working memory and increase the risk of psychosis later in life. The $2M NIH grant aims to develop therapies to treat adverse effects.
A study published by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that psychiatric drugs imipramine and olanzapine can improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including boosting cognition and reversing clinical diagnoses.
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.
Researchers developed a new model to understand how delusions emerge and are shaped by different contexts, revealing common themes across patient accounts. Clinicians must go beyond 'correcting' dysfunction to devise treatment that is relevant to the individual's emotions, life experiences, and socio-cultural contexts.
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...
Research identifies genetic variants associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain regions linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests a potential new target for treating severe mental illnesses by targeting the IL-6 gene.
A 10-year study found that illicit amphetamine users were 5 times more likely to experience psychosis than non-users, with the risk increasing with age, number of arrests, and severity of addiction. Rehab was found to be effective in reducing this risk.
Research suggests early-life infection, inflammation, and metabolic changes contribute to psychiatric disorders through critical brain development periods. This may lead to new treatment approaches for depression and psychosis.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found no evidence that vitamin D supplementation improves mental or physical health symptoms in people with psychosis. High rates of vitamin D deficiency were observed, particularly among ethnic minority participants.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at the University of Leicester created novel body-maps of hallucinations, documenting feelings and sensations in the body during psychosis. These maps revealed recurrent concentrations of feelings like pain, heat, or tension in specific body areas.
A recent study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders are more likely to be excluded from education and labor market for at least five years. The results highlight the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social exclusion.
A clinical trial found pimavanserin significantly improves sustained symptom benefit and reduces relapse rate in people with dementia-related psychosis. The treatment also showed fewer serious side effects compared to other antipsychotics.
A scientific review suggests a disruption in blood clotting and immune system may contribute to psychosis development. The researchers propose that an imbalance of these systems leads to inflammation, which contributes to the development of psychosis.
Researchers at the University of Otago have created a new animal model that can accurately simulate psychosis in rats. This breakthrough finding opens up new possibilities for understanding brain mechanisms and developing more effective treatments for schizophrenia.
Researchers found a correlation between inflammatory profile and cannabis use on a daily basis or during adolescence, increasing the odds of suffering from a psychotic disorder. Immune system dysfunction can modify the association between cannabis use and psychosis.
Researchers found altered connectivity in brain networks associated with goal-directed behaviour and increased executive network activity in women at risk of postpartum psychosis. This could offer a vital marker for resilience to relapse, enabling earlier intervention.
Research at Karolinska Institutet suggests a link between psychosis and a genetic change affecting the brain's immune system, potentially impacting the development of modern medicines. Psychosis affects approximately 2-3% of the population, with increased life expectancy for those with schizophrenia.
An international team found a link between subtle differences in adolescent brain shape and psychosis development, with those at high risk showing widespread lower cortical thickness. This discovery could contribute to earlier detection and treatment of psychosis.
A definitive review finds that systemic racism perpetuates disadvantage in neighborhoods, leading to increased risk of psychosis. Trauma and stress experienced by marginalized racial groups are also associated with higher rates of psychosis.
A new study published in Translational Psychiatry reveals that individuals with high genetic predisposition to schizophrenia are disproportionately affected by cannabis use, experiencing a 60% higher risk of psychotic experiences. Cannabis users, compared to non-users, have higher rates of psychotic experiences across the board.
Research by Orygen found that young 'night owls' have significantly higher negative psychotic symptoms. The study suggests a link between sleep disturbance, chronotype, and psychotic symptoms, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to accurately diagnose patients with mixed symptoms, revealing that depression plays a greater role in psychosis than thought. The study highlights the need for better treatments and more accurate diagnostic methods.
Researchers found that persistently high insulin levels from mid-childhood are linked with a higher chance of developing psychosis in adulthood. In contrast, an increase in BMI around puberty was linked with a higher chance of depression in adulthood, particularly in girls.
Researchers combined psychiatric assessments with machine learning models to predict mental illness, improving disease course prediction and intervention timing. The algorithm assists decision-making and provides recommendations for targeted interventions.
Research suggests that psychosis symptoms may be linked to impaired information spread in the brain, with altered white matter contributing to delusions and other symptoms. The study found increased consciousness thresholds in patients with psychosis, correlating with greater white matter connectivity.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a potential neurobiological mechanism for hallucinations and delusions that fits within the hierarchical model of psychosis. The study suggests that these symptoms share a common mechanism but also depend on symptom-specific pathways.
A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.
New UBC research reveals a need for improved training to address identity development issues in young people with psychosis. A survey of over 300 clinicians found that only half felt confident in addressing identity-related concerns, highlighting a gap in care.
Researchers developed a blood test predicting psychosis development risk with 93% accuracy. The test identifies early changes in the immune system involved in inflammation.
Researchers found that depression is an intrinsic part of early phase psychotic disorders and suggest targeting depression as a key factor in treatment. The study suggests antidepressants alongside anti-psychotic drugs could be an effective additional first-line treatment for psychosis.
A phase 3 trial found pimavanserin to be effective in reducing psychotic symptoms in people with dementia, regardless of underlying dementia subtype or severity. The treatment works differently than other antipsychotics, showing promise for improving the lives of those affected by psychosis.