Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
A study by an international team of researchers has found that a combination of cytomegalovirus infection in the mother and a specific gene variant in the child significantly increases the risk of schizophrenia. The risk is five times higher than usual, according to the research published in Molecular Psychiatry.
A new study suggests schizophrenia is associated with accelerated aging, particularly in cerebral white matter. Individuals with schizophrenia have shorter average lifespans and are at increased risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
A study found that adding folate and vitamin B12 to antipsychotic medication improved negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals carrying specific genetic variants. The results suggest a potential new avenue for treatment, as well as the need for personalized medical approaches.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a gene variant associated with higher production of kynurenic acid, which may explain psychotic features in bipolar disorder. The study suggests that inflammation and stress trigger the production of KYNA, leading to increased levels in patients' brains.
A new imaging-genetics study from CAMH found that a specific version of the microRNA-137 gene is associated with younger age at onset and distinct brain features in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that developing tests to screen for this gene could help treat patients earlier and more effectively.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered a link between prenatal infections, stress during puberty, and schizophrenia-relevant brain changes. The study suggests that the combination of these two factors significantly contributes to the development of the disorder.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that individuals with a higher genetic risk of schizophrenia are more likely to experience a decline in IQ as they age. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, used advanced genetic analysis techniques to investigate how thinking skills change over time.
A new study reveals that slow-firing neurons are essential for higher-order thinking and mental representations, which are compromised in diseases like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. The research identifies NMDA-NR2B receptors as key regulators of neuronal firing.
Researchers at McGill University found that people with schizophrenia exhibit impaired reading fluency due to context-dependent eye movements and processing of words. The study provides new insights into the impact of schizophrenia on cognitive functions and could lead to earlier interventions.
Researchers identified a mutant mouse model of schizophrenia that exhibits mild chronic brain inflammation and cognitive deficits. The study found that Shn-2 deficiency leads to an 'immature Dentate Gyrus', which produces schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Chronic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs rescued working memory deficit ...
A new study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics finds a significant link between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease. The researchers used a novel statistical model to identify 16 new loci associated with both conditions, including triglyceride levels and waist-hip ratio.
Researchers used MEG to identify two distinct spectral features in schizophrenia patients, which were significantly different from healthy control subjects. The study also found four features that changed with age, suggesting the disease affects brain activity over time.
Researchers found that a protein family linked to autism suppresses the development of inhibitory synapses, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Overexpressing this protein reduced inhibitory synapse density, while knocking it down increased their development.
A Johns Hopkins study identified a rare gene mutation in a single family with a high rate of schizophrenia, suggesting that abnormal genes play a role in the disease. The researchers found that the mutated gene led to abnormal activity and brain cell abnormalities.
Researchers found that gestational brain changes cause behavioral problems later in life, similar to the human disease. The UB study proposes a genomic explanation for schizophrenia, identifying the Integrative Nuclear FGFR 1 Signaling pathway as a central intersection point.
Researchers found individuals with schizophrenia have shorter life expectancy due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Women with schizophrenia were particularly vulnerable, facing a threefold higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 1.7 times greater chance of cancer-related death.
Researchers found that choline supplementation during pregnancy and early infancy inhibited the response to repeated sounds, a trait commonly seen in schizophrenia patients. The study suggests choline may be a new approach to schizophrenia prevention.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $1.5M in NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grants to 15 researchers studying depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders. The grants will support innovative research ideas with the potential to transform mental illness treatment and prevention.
Two articles debate causal link between cannabis and psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia. David Castle argues for a causal link, while Suzanne Gage et al suggest stronger evidence is needed.
A study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin found that higher rates of schizophrenia are associated with increased deprivation, population density, and inequality in urban neighborhoods. The research suggests that more equal societies may experience lower rates of serious mental illness.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients' brains process simple auditory tones inefficiently, leading to widespread dysfunction and difficulties in attention, learning, and recalling information. This impairment can also affect social relationships, school or job performance, and overall quality of life.
Researchers at Baylor University discovered that low temperatures can prevent hypoxia-induced damage to islet cells, improving insulin secretion. In a second study, neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells showed altered oxygen metabolism associated with schizophrenia, offering potential targets for treatment.
Researchers discovered that desynchronised brain activity during sleep could trigger some of schizophrenia's symptoms. The study suggests poor sleep might be a cause, not just a consequence of the disorder's effects.
A new study by Columbia University researchers identifies two genetic networks affected in schizophrenia, which also show a connection to autism. The analysis reveals that many genes mutated in schizophrenia are organized into these networks, involved in processes like axon guidance and chromosomal modification.
Researchers found that cannabis users with schizophrenia have higher brain activity and correct answers than those without prior cannabis use. The study suggests that cannabis use can imitate the cognitive weakness leading to schizophrenia in non-psychotic individuals.
A new study explores the impact of the interleukin-1β gene on brain function alterations associated with schizophrenia. The research found that patients with schizophrenia who were homozygous for the C allele showed reduced prefrontal cortex activation, while healthy volunteers did not differ by genotype.
Dr. Peter F. Buckley received the 2012 Cancro Academic Leadership Award for his work in advancing child and adolescent training experiences through a recovery-oriented model of care. He led the rebuilding of the MCG Department of Psychiatry, developing innovative programs that focus on recovery from mental illness.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are 12 times more likely to develop autism. The findings suggest a shared genetic root cause between the two conditions, shedding light on their genetics.
Researchers found that people in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, particularly for schizophrenia. Creative fields were also associated with higher rates of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety syndrome, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.
A new study has identified variants of genes influencing immune function that may contribute to the heritable risk for schizophrenia. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry, highlights an important gap in understanding how immune alterations are involved in the disorder.
Researchers identified molecular pathway associated with schizophrenia, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study found that a protein called Serca2 is elevated in people with schizophrenia and those with a rare genetic disorder, suggesting a novel therapeutic target.
Researchers at CAMH found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to die from heart attacks, with a 56% increased mortality rate after discharge. They also receive less life-saving cardiac care compared to those without schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered dozens of new de novo genetic mutations that play a significant role in schizophrenia development. Many of these mutations were found to affect genes with higher expression during early-to-mid fetal development, highlighting the importance of both gene function and timing in determining risk.
Six CAMH researchers have received NARSAD Young Investigator Grants to investigate biological factors underlying schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviour. The grants will fund research using advanced genetics, brain stimulation and brain imaging techniques, promising new treatments.
Researchers found that rats with brain lesions developed schizophrenia-like symptoms if not trained, but those who received early cognitive training as adolescents showed no signs of the disorder. The study suggests that experience and learning can overcome neural disabilities, paving the way for new treatments for mental disorders.
A team of researchers found that pre-emptive cognitive training in laboratory rats can improve brain function and compensate for abnormal neural circuits. The study, published in the journal Neuron, holds promise for addressing human neuropsychiatric impairments such as schizophrenia.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that an enzyme called HDAC2 is involved in reducing the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenic patients. The team found that inhibiting HDAC2 can improve therapeutic effects of antipsychotics and prevent drug resistance.
Scientists monitor interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia to identify potential red flags for relapse. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach using multi-drug therapies.
Johns Hopkins researchers found a cause-and-effect relationship between the Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene and its impact on glia cells in the brain. The study suggests that abnormalities in these support cells could contribute to schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified laboratory-based biomarkers that can help understand brain-based abnormalities in schizophrenia. These endophenotypes could provide clinicians with reliable indicators of brain dysfunction, even when overt symptoms are not apparent.
A study suggests that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. The findings indicate shared etiologic risk factors among ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.
A new study found a significant association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in parents or siblings. The study suggests that ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder may share etiologic risk factors.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found a link between increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The study suggests shared etiologic risk factors among these disorders, potentially leading to more similar understanding and treatment approaches.
The Feinstein Institute has received a $9.3 million federal grant to train clinicians on better care for patients with schizophrenia. The three-year grant will educate providers on new mental health protocols and technology resources to deliver more-effective treatments.
Studies found that DNA damage activates NF-κB, a transcription factor driving cellular aging. Inflammation was also linked to oxidative stress, senescence, and degenerative changes caused by aging. Meanwhile, social isolation disrupted neurotransmission in young rodents, affecting AMPA receptor delivery and synaptic function.
Researchers will directly examine biological aging in schizophrenia using psychiatric and medical interviews, as well as laboratory techniques. The study aims to unravel biological mechanisms underlying faster aging in patients with schizophrenia.
Researchers identified PERK as a crucial protein for maintaining behavioral flexibility, allowing us to adjust behaviors in response to changing circumstances. The study's findings have implications for addressing neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered compartmentalized neural activity in nematode neurons, which enables movement and encodes body position. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders like schizophrenia and developing potential treatments.
A research team identified a comprehensive group of genes linked to schizophrenia and developed a prototype predictive test that can accurately assess an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test was able to predict schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, providing guidance for early intervention and treatment.
A comprehensive list of genes associated with schizophrenia has been identified, enabling the development of a predictive test that can estimate an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test, which predicts schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, holds promise for early intervention and treatment.
A study of 2,588 Finnish schizophrenic patients found that antidepressive treatment reduced mortality risk by 43%, whereas bensodiazepine use increased the risk of early death and suicide by 91%. The researchers also found no association between taking multiple antipsychotics and increased mortality.
A systematic review of 50 years of data found antipsychotic drugs significantly reduce relapse rates and hospitalizations in patients with schizophrenia. However, they also experience more adverse side effects, including movement disorders and weight gain.
Researchers at University of Liverpool found children who experienced severe trauma are 3 times more likely to develop schizophrenia. The study analyzed data from over 27,000 research papers and suggests environment plays a major role in psychosis development.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that DNA methylation levels in white blood cells are lower in patients with schizophrenia and related to age of disease onset and treatment response. The discovery may lead to the development of a simple test to diagnose schizophrenia.
Research suggests that smoking can increase the impact of genes like TCF4 on acoustic stimulus filtering, potentially leading to schizophrenia. Healthy carriers of the TCF4 gene also exhibit reduced stimulus filtering abilities.
Researchers identify precise genetic links between nature and nurture in schizophrenia risk. Defects in DISC1 protein and environmental stress after birth increase brain development abnormalities and schizophrenia likelihood by 1.4 times.
Smartphones can be used to track symptoms and deliver real-time interventions for people with schizophrenia, according to Dartmouth College research. A survey of 1,600 individuals found that 70% had cellphones and used them frequently.
A Wayne State University study found that children of parents with schizophrenia exhibit reduced brain network communication and disordered responses to emotional faces. These findings suggest a potential predictor for the onset of emotional problems in later life.
A six-month pilot program demonstrates measureable benefits for individuals with schizophrenia, improving communication, social interaction, and coping skills. The program, Advancing Standards of Care for People with Schizophrenia, uses evidence-based tools to encourage participants to take control of their mental illness.
Around 70% of young adults with Asperger Syndrome reported at least one episode of depression, while up to 50% experienced repeated episodes. One third of individuals also have ADHD, and characteristics between Asperger and schizophrenia share similarities in autistic traits and social cognitive ability