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Assessing and addressing the impact of childhood trauma

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2017

Vulnerability to psychosis: How to detect it

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 29, 2017

Study sheds light on B.C. youths' experiences with mental health services

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research·DateFeb 27, 2017

Is insufficient weight gain during pregnancy associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in children

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...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 22, 2017

'Middle England' faces lowest psychosis risk

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2016

Study shows higher levels of Alzheimer's-related tau protein found in children aged 18 years and under with early onset 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.

Longer duration of untreated childhood schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis predicts poorer outcomes

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateAug 2, 2016

'Schizophrenia' does not exist, argues expert

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 2, 2016

Antibodies to brain proteins may trigger psychosis

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2015

Development of psychosis: Gray matter loss and the inflamed brain

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2015

A brain signal for psychosis risk

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychology·DateMar 13, 2014