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.
Early intervention services are being developed or expanded in 48 US states to improve treatment outcomes for young people with psychosis. Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs use a team of specialists to create personalized treatment plans, resulting in improved symptoms, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life.
Studies suggest inflammatory cytokines are associated with increased rates of depression and psychosis. Anti-cytokine treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in clinical trials, regardless of physical illness improvement.
Researchers found that taurine supplementation improved symptoms in patients with first episode psychosis, particularly in depression and overall functioning. However, cognitive function remained unchanged.
Researchers found thickening of the left carotid artery, indicating blood vessel inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk. This study suggests that blood vessels may be affected in childhood and adolescence, sparking hope for new treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a new probability model to detect psychosis risk with 70% accuracy, combining medical history, clinical assessment, and biomarkers of fatty acids. This could lead to timely treatment and prevention of psychotic episodes.
A large international study found that people with psychosis have lower levels of physical activity, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Barriers include mobility difficulties, pain, depression, and cognitive impairment.
A study of 204,186 people across 46 low- and middle-income countries found that low physical activity is associated with a diagnosis of psychosis, particularly among males. However, psychotic-like symptoms without a diagnosis are not linked to inactivity.
A study found that individuals with smaller hippocampi are more likely to have a combination of genetic risk factors associated with an increased risk of psychosis. This discovery may lead to the development of personalized treatment strategies for schizophrenia.
A systematic review of 35 studies found that longer duration of untreated childhood schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis is associated with poorer functional improvement. Children and adolescents with EOS often experience frequent pre- and co-morbid conditions, leading to worse outcomes.
A new clinical calculator assesses individual risk of psychosis after early warning signs of schizophrenia, such as hearing voices. Symptoms like unusual thought content and social functioning decline contribute significantly to the risk of developing psychosis.
Researchers found that patients with psychosis fail to produce cortisol after waking, indicating a potential biomarker for early detection. Cortisol levels may also predict risk for other chronic diseases.
A study published in The BMJ found that refugees have a substantially higher risk of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Refugees were up to 3.6 times more likely to develop psychosis than the Swedish-born population, with incidence rates of 1264 per million.
Researchers have found a link between the AKT1 gene and psychotic-like symptoms in young people who use cannabis. The study suggests that individuals with this gene variant are more susceptible to the mind-altering effects of smoking cannabis, even if they are otherwise healthy.
A professor of psychiatry argues that schizophrenia should be replaced with 'psychosis spectrum syndrome' due to the complexity and heterogeneity of psychotic illness. The current classification system uses outdated language and may lead to misdiagnosis or overemphasis on this condition.
A new analysis shows that team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) is more cost-effective than typical community care for young people with first episode psychosis. CSC produces better clinical and quality of life outcomes, making it a better value despite modestly higher costs.
Research finds that repeated traumatic experiences during infancy and adolescence multiply the risk of psychosis by 7. Heavy cannabis use also significantly raises this risk, with a 6x multiplier. Neuroticism levels are associated with a 30% increased risk.
Researchers found that people with Alzheimer's who had more physical signs of the disease were also more likely to have psychosis. However, when they looked at those whose autopsies confirmed Alzheimer's, psychosis did not correlate with physical evidence of the disease. Instead, it was linked to vascular risk factors and cerebral inju...
A team of researchers has identified biological markers that can classify mental disorders with greater precision, using neurobiological measures to differentiate conditions. The findings may lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.
A UTSW-led study identified three neurobiologically distinct biotypes of psychoses, which do not always match conventional clinical diagnoses. The findings suggest that the term 'psychosis' might describe unique psychiatric disorders with distinctive mechanisms and treatments.
A new study finds that biomarkers outperform symptoms in identifying distinct psychosis subgroups, suggesting a more precise diagnosis may lead to improved treatments. The research used 1,872 participants and identified three biotypes, each with unique patterns of brain function and structure.
A team-based, coordinated specialty care approach produces better clinical and functional outcomes than typical community care for people with first episode psychosis. Treatment is most effective when provided soon after psychotic symptoms begin.
Researchers found that individuals with early signs of psychosis relied more heavily on prior knowledge to interpret ambiguous images, leading to improved task performance. This suggests an altered balance in normal brain functions contributing to the emergence of mental illness symptoms.
A new analysis identified illogical thoughts as most predictive of schizophrenia risk in teens experiencing attenuated psychosis symptoms. Suspiciousness and unusual thought content were found to be the most informative symptoms, while perceptual disturbances - common features of schizophrenia - were not predictive.
A new study found that people with Parkinson's disease psychosis who took antipsychotic medication were four times more likely to die than those who didn't. The treatment also led to serious health issues such as cognitive decline and worsening of Parkinson's symptoms.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young people identified as 'at risk' for mental problems described feeling stigmatized by symptoms, but not the label itself. Early intervention benefits may outweigh stigma concerns.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found lower conflict-related brain activity in adolescents at high risk for psychosis, indicating a potential predictor of psychotic disorders. The researchers used fMRI scans to measure cognitive flexibility and detected reduced activation in key brain regions.
Researchers found marginalized Vancouver residents are dying at 8.29 times the national average, with psychosis and hepatitis C-related liver dysfunction being significant risk factors for mortality. The study highlights the need for improved detection and treatment of these conditions in marginalized populations.
Researchers used fMRI to distinguish first-episode psychotic patients from healthy controls while watching the movie. They found significant differences in brain activity, particularly in the precuneus region, which is associated with memory and self-awareness.
A study published in NPJ-Schizophrenia found that an automated speech analysis program accurately predicted psychosis onset in high-risk youths. The analysis, which measured semantic coherence and syntactic structure, correctly differentiated between individuals who developed psychosis and those who did not.
A study by UCLA and University of Pittsburgh researchers has isolated specific genetic differences between people with DiGeorge syndrome who have autism and those who have psychosis. The findings suggest a potential way to determine which child is at risk for which disorder, allowing for early intervention and improvement.
A new study from UC Berkeley shows hallucinations and delusions associated with psychiatric disorders seldom foreshadow acts of aggression. Only 12% of violent incidents were preceded by psychosis, contradicting the media-fueled stereotype of homicidal mayhem.
A UK study reveals extremely high rates of cardiovascular risk factors in people with psychosis, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. The research highlights the importance of incorporating weight and cardiovascular risk assessment into routine care, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.
A recent study found that a good therapeutic alliance is crucial for improving wellbeing, while poor relationships can harm treatment outcomes. The researchers discovered that patients who received effective therapy benefited from the therapist-patient connection, regardless of the therapy type.
Researchers detected antibodies to dopamine D2 receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor among children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The finding suggests a distinct subgroup where autoimmunity plays a role in their illness, paving the way for more specific diagnosis and effective interventions.
A new study has identified antibodies targeting dopamine D2 receptors and NMDA glutamate receptors in children experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This finding suggests that autoimmunity may play a role in the development of psychosis, offering hope for new treatment approaches.
A recent study found that adolescents with psychological symptoms often exhibit visual distortions and hallucinations before developing a full-blown mental disorder. The researchers also discovered that these symptoms are strongly linked to self-destructive thought processes, which can increase the risk of suicide.
A new study finds that gray matter loss in the brain is a precursor to psychosis, with increased inflammation accelerating this process. Researchers analyzed brain scans of young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and healthy controls, revealing a significant correlation between proinflammatory cytokines and gray matter thinning.
Almost 40% of people with first-episode psychosis in community clinics may benefit from medication treatment changes. Current prescribing practices highlight the need for more education on first-episode specific medication practices at community facilities.
Patients with first episode psychosis face elevated risks of heart disease and metabolic issues due to mental illness, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and antipsychotic medications. A team-based healthcare approach is necessary to address these needs and improve overall health.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care developed a blood test that identifies individuals at high risk for developing psychosis. The test measures immune and hormonal system imbalances, as well as oxidative stress, and shows promise in predicting the development of severe mental disorders like schizophrenia.
Researchers identified mismatch negativity as a potential biomarker of psychosis risk, suggesting that deficits in this brain signal may precede the onset of psychosis. The study found that individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis who developed a psychotic disorder had reduced mismatch negativity compared to those who did not.
Researchers at Penn Medicine developed a method to assess and diagnose psychosis in young children by analyzing cognitive development. The study found that children with psychotic symptoms had lower chronological ages than predicted, indicating a significant lag in cognitive development.
Research finds a link between childhood death of a nuclear family member and increased risk of psychosis. Exposure to suicide has the highest risk, especially in early childhood.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that Parkinson's patients with psychosis had greater white-matter fiber injury than those without psychosis. This difference may explain why psychosis often occurs in Parkinson's disease patients.
A new study published in SAGE Open found that people with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are more likely to be left-handed. The research team studied 107 individuals from a public outpatient psychiatric clinic and found that 40% of those with schizophrenia were left-handed, compared to 11% of those with mood disorders.
A new drug, pimavanserin, has shown significant improvement in reducing psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found a 37% improvement in psychotic symptoms compared to placebo, with no worsening of motor symptoms reported.
Researchers identified neuroimaging markers in the brain that can help predict which people with psychosis will respond to antipsychotic medications. Cortical folding defects were found in individuals who did not respond to treatment, while those who responded had brain structures similar to healthy controls.