Articles tagged with Psychosis
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and King's College London discovered that problems in how the brain recognizes and processes novel information lie at the root of psychosis. The study found that defective brain signals in patients with psychosis could be altered with medication, leading to new treatment development pathways.
A rapid review of contemporary epidemic research found an increase in psychosis prevalence due to COVID-19 linked to viral exposure, pre-existing vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. People with psychosis may pose a significant challenge for clinical teams and potentially transmit the virus.
Researchers found that forty percent of women who suffer from postpartum psychosis do not become ill again. Women with isolated postpartum psychosis may not require medicinal treatment outside the postpartum period, according to a new study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of pre- and perinatal risk factors for psychosis has identified 30 significant risks and five protective factors. Researchers found that nutritional deficiencies, low birthweight, and lack of prenatal care visits pose a risk to children developing psychosis.
A recent study in mice found that psychosis may be caused by problems with specialized nerve cells and learning behavior. The researchers hope this could provide insight into the emergence of delusions in patients with psychosis or schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed a new classification scheme for psychoses into five clearly defined subgroups based on machine learning analysis of clinical data. These subgroups exhibit distinct patterns in symptoms, functioning, and genetic risk factors.
The study found that CBD influenced the prefrontal and mediotemporal brain areas, which have unusual activity in people with psychosis. After one dose of CBD, functional connectivity between these areas was reduced, indicating improved brain function.
New research at La Trobe University has identified genetic variations that determine the effects of methamphetamine in the brain. These findings may lead to new therapies for people affected by long-term methamphetamine use, which can cause psychosis similar to schizophrenia.
A new hypothesis identifies a common link between schizophrenia and pellagra, suggesting that some people with psychosis in poorer nations may have a vitamin B3 deficiency. This could lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and potential cure of psychosis through niacin supplementation.
A new study by UNC researchers found that using a polygenic risk score (PRS) improves psychosis risk prediction in persons meeting clinical high-risk criteria. The PRS, developed from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), discriminates persons with schizophrenia from unaffected individuals and predicts future psychosis.
A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that excess psychosis diagnoses amongst Black and South Asian men in deprived urban areas may reflect a cluster of disadvantage rather than individual factors. The team identified four markers of vulnerability: drug and alcohol dependence, criminality and violence, risky or c...
A pioneering clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's-related psychosis. The study aims to determine whether CBD can correct abnormal brain functioning and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
A middle-aged man experienced a brief episode of acute psychosis after the 2016 Brexit Referendum, highlighting the potential impact of political events on mental health. The case highlights the importance of identifying early warning signs and providing prompt treatment to ensure quick recovery.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded six research grants to develop a learning health care system for the treatment of early psychosis. The grants aim to improve quality of care and patient outcomes while speeding advances in early psychosis services and science.
Researchers found neurological markers in the brain that can detect people at-risk for developing psychotic disorders. The study used MRI scans to identify dysfunction in the striatum region, which is associated with increased levels of dopamine and faulty learning feedback.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that refugees may be at higher risk of developing nonaffective psychosis, including several types of schizophrenia, compared to natives or nonrefugee migrants in host countries. The study analyzed data from over 540,000 refugees in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Canada.
A new study found a blunted response to stress-induced dopamine signaling in the brains of individuals at high risk for psychosis who regularly use cannabis. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of cannabis on brain neurochemistry, particularly among populations at risk for psychosis.
Researchers find that targeting a specific genetic mutation can alleviate psychosis symptoms by restoring glutamate function and glycine levels. The study provides proof-of-principle for a new approach to treating psychotic disorders using genotype-based treatment.
Researchers developed a machine-learning method to quantify semantic richness of conversational language, predicting psychosis with high accuracy. They analyzed sound-related words and low semantic density, detecting hidden patterns in people's language predictive of psychosis.
Research at the University of York found women are underrepresented in studies on cannabis and psychosis, with limited information on female reactions to the drug and a lack of focus on countries outside of America, Europe, and Australia.
Pregnant women who use cannabis may slightly increase the risk their unborn child will develop psychosis later in life. The study's findings raise concerns about prenatal exposure to cannabis and its potential long-term effects on brain development.
A case-control study found a strong link between daily cannabis use and psychosis, with high potency cannabis increasing the risk even more. The study estimated that one in five new cases of psychosis may be linked to daily cannabis use, highlighting potential public health implications for changes in cannabis legislation.
Researchers identify neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as a potential biomarker for psychosis, finding associations with dopamine function and severity of symptoms. The study uses NM-MRI signal to measure regional variations in neuromelanin concentration, reflecting dopamine activity.
A new study finds that people with psychosis experience accelerated aging of brain networks important for general cognition, but at a faster rate than healthy individuals. This accelerated decline can be a promising target for early intervention and cognitive remediation strategies to improve functional outcomes.
A study by Orygen researchers found that B-vitamin supplements improved concentration skills among participants with first episode psychosis. The results suggest that individuals with elevated homocysteine levels may benefit most from these supplements.
Individuals with childhood trauma exhibit decreased hippocampal volume and correlations with high blood oxidation status, differing from those without trauma. This redox dysregulation may lead to distinct symptom profiles and cognitive deficits in psychosis patients.
New reviews on symptom stability over time for bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders highlight the importance of diagnostic accuracy for prognosis and treatment. Diagnostic instability is associated with factors such as extreme age, female sex, and substance abuse, emphasizing the need for enhanced tools to quantify risk.
A research study found that machine learning outperformed human experts in predicting social outcomes for people at high risk of psychosis (83% accuracy) and those with recent-onset depression (70%). This could lead to personalized treatments to improve social functioning.
Research from King's College London has found that cannabidiol can help reduce psychotic symptoms by resetting abnormal brain activity. The study provides the first evidence of how cannabidiol acts in the brain to alleviate psychosis and suggests it could be a safer alternative to current treatments.
New research suggests that non-drug approaches should be prioritised in treating agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, ranking assessment and management of underlying causes as the top treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as person-centred care and tailored activity programmes are also recommended for managing symptom...
A CAMH study reveals that people with schizophrenia have a disrupted stress response, differing from those at high risk for psychosis or healthy individuals. This discovery may provide clues into preventing schizophrenia.
Boosting learning from positive and negative feedback may prevent psychosis, according to researchers at the University of Missouri. Brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging can also identify markers for psychosis risk, helping mental health professionals better treat patients with psychoses.
A study found that changes in brain networks can predict psychosis in high-risk patients. Cortical folding was analyzed to identify potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.
Researchers developed an MRI-based approach to identify high-risk patients who will develop psychosis, with 80% accuracy. This method may help reverse the trajectory of psychosis by providing early-intervention therapy.
Researchers found that certain nutrient supplements, such as taurine and antioxidants, may improve mental health in young people with psychosis. The study suggests that these nutrients may be effective as an 'add-on' treatment for some patients.
A systematic review of eight clinical trials found that certain nutrient supplements, such as Taurine and antioxidants, may improve mental health in young people with psychosis. The review suggests that these nutrients could be effective 'add-on' treatments when used alongside standard treatment.
A recent study by the Academy of Finland found that daily and heavy smoking are independently linked to a higher risk of psychoses. Smoking begun at an early age was a particularly significant risk factor, with prevention of adolescent smoking likely to have positive effects on mental health in later life.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found associations between age, body mass index, substance use, and brain structure in patients with psychosis. Higher IQs were positively linked to improved brain health, while higher age, BMI, and substance use were negatively associated.
Patients treated at PEPP experienced a significant reduction in risk of mortality, emergency department visits, and involuntary hospitalizations. However, benefits were not observed long-term, highlighting the need for further research on EPI program effectiveness.
A study of six countries found that young men, ethnic minorities, and people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience first-episode psychosis. The study also showed that environmental factors play a crucial role in the variation of incidence rates across urban and rural areas.
Pimavanserin has been found to effectively reduce psychosis symptoms in people with Alzheimer's disease without the damaging effects of other antipsychotics. The research, published in Lancet Neurology, shows a significant improvement in psychotic symptoms without sedation or falls, which are common side-effects of current treatments.
A computer-based language classifier predicted psychosis in at-risk youths with up to 83% accuracy, identifying disturbances in speech flow and tangential thinking as indicative of psychosis. The technology has the potential to improve prediction and prevention of psychosis by targeting cognitive deficits.
Researchers aim to identify brain mechanisms related to psychosis by studying corollary discharge signals in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They will use an fMRI scanner to investigate the oculomotor system, which is thought to support a subjective sense of agency in these patients.
Research led by Professor Stephen Wood at Orygen found that individuals with autism traits and psychosis are at a greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that identifying autism traits can help identify those most at risk of suicide, highlighting the need for better training and assessments.
Researchers at Eurac Research and Medical University of Innsbruck have identified a new medical entity: isolated high-altitude psychosis. The condition is characterized by psychotic episodes in extreme altitudes, often accompanied by hallucinations and disorientation.
A new study finds that psychosis incidence can be up to eight times higher in some regions compared to others, highlighting the role of environmental factors in contributing to the condition. The study's findings suggest that areas with social deprivation and owner-occupied housing have lower rates of psychosis.
Research from Australia's NICM Health Research Institute finds large nutritional deficits in blood levels of critical nutrients among individuals with early psychosis. Vitamin B9 (folate) and D were found to be particularly low, associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
A preliminary study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that marijuana use can cause temporary paranoia and psychosis-related effects in individuals at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This population includes those with family history of psychosis or other risk factors.
A new study suggests that auditory hallucinations may arise from top-down brain processing, driven by strong associations between sensory inputs and mental concepts. Participants who experienced hallucinations showed strong beliefs about the association, which drove their tone hallucinations.
A new study identifies measures of violence potential that can predict both the increased risk of future violent behavior and actual development of psychosis. Screening people with sensitive instruments can detect individuals at greatest risk of violence.
The University of Warwick has received a £1.5 million grant from the NIHR Global Health Research Unit to develop culturally appropriate interventions for psychosis sufferers in India. The three-year project aims to improve early treatment, raise care standards, and use digital technologies to overcome infrastructure problems.
A growing body of research suggests that childhood trauma can increase the risk for psychosis in later life. Key factors include poor emotional control, limited coping skills, and stress sensitivity. Early identification and treatment through targeted training and protocols may help mitigate this vulnerability.
A new study published in the journal Addiction suggests that cannabis use is associated with a lower risk of psychosis than previously believed. For patients with schizophrenia, cannabis exacerbates symptoms. Regulation of cannabis markets could help reduce health risks, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
A new study has identified an early vulnerability brain marker for psychosis in late adolescence, which can be detected through exaggerated emotional responses to non-threatening cues. This finding could lead to the development of new intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
A study at UBC's faculty of medicine found that young people value positive interactions with peers, group therapy, and emotional support from service providers. Meanwhile, youth reported feeling pigeonholed by their mental illness and experiencing impersonal encounters with support workers.
A Swedish study found that insufficient weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of nonaffective psychosis, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, in children. The study of 526,042 individuals born between 1982 and 1989 found that mothers who experienced extremely inadequate gestational weight gain were more l...
A new study from King's College London shows that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) strengthens specific connections in the brains of people with psychosis, associated with long-term recovery. CBT involves learning to think differently about unusual experiences and developing strategies to reduce distress and improve wellbeing.
Researchers found that impaired working memory and declarative memory are key neurocognitive functions affected in the high-risk, prodromal phase prior to psychosis onset. Interventions targeting these deficits may help mitigate schizophrenia's cognitive impairment and improve outcomes.
A new study suggests that 'Middle England', a group of affluent, older white British people living in rural areas, face the lowest risk of developing psychosis. The research found that people from more urban and deprived communities are at a higher risk of experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Researchers analyzed blood plasma levels of tau protein in patients with early onset psychosis (EOP) aged 18 and under, finding higher levels than controls. The study suggests altered tau protein metabolism in EOP, which may have implications for understanding the pathophysiology and developing new treatment strategies.