Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
A study published in Neuron found that intensive computerized cognitive training exercises can improve complex cognitive functions and social cognition in people with schizophrenia. The training improved the ability to distinguish internal thoughts from reality, coinciding with increased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that pridopidine binds to the sigma-1 receptor, a previously unknown mechanism of action. This finding could lead to new treatments for schizophrenia, Parkinsonian tremors, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A computerized cognitive training program has been shown to improve reality-monitoring tasks and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. The study found that 16 weeks of intensive training was associated with increased activation of the medial prefrontal cortex, a critical brain region for reality-monitoring processes.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health conducted a case-control study to investigate the link between Borna disease virus and psychiatric illness. The study found no evidence of active or historical infection with BDV in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Researchers have discovered that stem cells from patients with schizophrenia proliferate faster than healthy individuals, indicating dysregulation of the natural cell cycle. This finding provides a potential path to understanding schizophrenia and developing new treatments.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia showed greater brain activity during tests inducing delusional thinking, including the cortical midline structures and dopamine regions. This effect was not seen in a comparison group without schizophrenia.
Adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia show greater decreases in gray matter volume and increases in cerebrospinal fluid in the frontal lobe compared to healthy peers. Progressive brain changes are also linked to poorer prognosis, including longer hospitalization and reduced symptom improvement.
Researchers found that DNA stays too tightly wound in certain brain cells of schizophrenic subjects, pointing to new therapies. The study suggests treatment might be most effective early on for minimizing or reversing symptoms.
Researchers identify neurobiological characteristics linked to complex neuropsychiatric disorders as potential biomarkers. Cognitive deficits are recognized as core features of schizophrenia, reflecting a broader, more multidimensional illness than traditional diagnosis.
Two University of Pittsburgh professors, Anthony Grace and Christian Schunn, have been recognized as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in cognition and STEM fields. Their research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and bridging cognitive science research on reasoning and learning in STEM.
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified the pattern of cell signaling induced by antipsychotic drugs in a complex composed of two brain receptors linked to schizophrenia. This discovery may allow for the prediction of novel compounds' effectiveness and accelerate the development of better antipsychotic drugs.
A recent study reveals the underlying physical causes of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The findings suggest that early-life depression and anxiety can alter the structure of the developing brain.
A Canadian study found a link between heavy methamphetamine use and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The research compared methamphetamine users to those with other substance dependencies and found a 1.5-3-fold higher risk of diagnosis.
A study using the rubber hand illusion found that people with schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership. This suggests that movement therapy could be helpful for these individuals, particularly those who experience out-of-body experiences. The findings also support the idea that exercise may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.
Research by University of Bristol neuroscientists found that cannabis disrupts coordinated brain waves, leading to impaired decision-making and memory. The study suggests that 'disorchestrated brains' may contribute to psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed virtual brain models that reveal structural differences among healthy and ill brains. The models show that complex network connections are associated with normal EEG patterns, while simpler networks are linked to neurological disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia.
A Penn team has identified a key connection between genetic risk factors for schizophrenia and altered sound processing in the brain. By studying mice with a mutated dysbindin gene, they found reduced activity in specific nerve cells that control fast brain activity, leading to symptoms of schizophrenia.
Cognitive therapy has been shown to improve the lives of severely impaired schizophrenic patients, reducing symptoms and promoting recovery. By helping patients set concrete goals and overcome defeatist beliefs, treatment encourages engagement in activity and motivation, leading to better functional outcomes and reduced hallucinations.
A genome-wide study involving 50,000 participants has discovered 11 regions on the genome strongly associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The researchers found that several DNA variations contribute to both diseases, representing a significant advance in understanding their causes.
A twin study at King's College London found significant epigenetic differences between psychosis discordant twins, suggesting a role for epigenetic processes in neuropsychiatric disease. The study provides potential new avenues for treatment and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic drugs.
A large international study confirms that 11 genetic regions contribute to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with many variations affecting both conditions. The research found strong associations between specific genes and the development of these severe brain disorders.
Research reveals 11 genomic regions associated with mental illness, including six previously unknown areas. The findings provide fresh insight into the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, potentially leading to new treatment options.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found a strong bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia, while those with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of epilepsy. The research suggests shared genetic and environmental factors contributin...
A large international study of over 50,000 adults has identified 11 common genetic variations associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study found that many of these variants contribute to both diseases, providing new molecular evidence for the causes of these chronic brain disorders.
A team of researchers has found that common genetic variants contribute to the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with many variations found in both diseases. The study identifies six new molecular evidence links with these diseases and suggests disruption of development processes as a factor in mental disorders.
Researchers found that new mutations, separate from inherited mutations, significantly contribute to the occurrence of schizophrenia. This discovery highlights the significance of personal genome sequencing in understanding complex diseases like schizophrenia.
Researchers have found that de novo protein-altering mutations account for more than 50% of sporadic schizophrenia cases. These genetic errors are present in patients but not in their parents. The study suggests that many more mutations may contribute to the disease, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers have identified a molecular pathway affected in schizophrenia and successfully alleviated symptoms using a cancer drug. The study found that reducing p35 enzyme levels led to cognitive impairment, which was addressed by administering the cancer drug MS-275.
Researchers found that de novo mutations, genetic errors present in patients but not their parents, are more common in schizophrenic patients. This discovery may help define how the disease results from these mutations and develop new treatments.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that impairments in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) brain area contribute to difficulties in reading social cues. This abnormal brain activation leads to misconstruing human actions and intentions in individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers used EEG to measure brain's response to tones, finding smaller mismatch negativity in individuals who developed schizophrenia. The test showed promise as a potential predictor of psychosis development.
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has received a $50 million gift from the Stanley Medical Research Institute to extend funding for its Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research. Researchers will continue to unravel the genetic mysteries of psychiatric illnesses, aiming to develop new treatments for patients.
Research studies found that vulnerable individuals with genetic deletions on chromosome 22, known as velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), are at risk for developing schizophrenia. Progressive brain abnormalities emerge during adolescence, including deficits in the volume of temporal cortex gray matter, which predicts psychosis.
A team of researchers used a virtual computer model, called DISCERN, to simulate excessive dopamine release in the brain, revealing distinctly schizophrenic-like memory recall. The study supports the hyperlearning hypothesis and provides insights into how neural networks can help understand human schizophrenia.
A pilot study found that L-lysine reduced severity of symptoms and improved functional ability in eight out of ten patients with schizophrenia. The treatment showed a general trend for improvement due to treatment with lysine, but results were confounded by the beneficial effect of lysine continuing after treatment stopped.
Researchers created patient-derived iPSCs, which were then differentiated into neurons to study schizophrenia. The study found that these neurons connected less frequently with each other and had misregulated gene expression profiles, but Loxapine restored connectivity. The findings provide a new model for understanding the disease mec...
Researchers have developed a method to recreate schizophrenic brain cells from skin cells, enabling safe and effective studies. This approach offers a step towards personalized medicine for patients with schizophrenia and potentially other diseases.
Researchers at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University have identified a key brain switch that regulates neuron migration, which may help in early detection of schizophrenia and other conditions. The study suggests that up to 10% of psychiatric illnesses are driven by defects in this switch system.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch that regulates protein behavior, expanding biomarker possibilities for diagnosing and tracking mental illnesses. The study found a key modification of the Disrupted In Schizophrenia gene (DISC1) governs its functions in new neuron production and neural migration.
Seven GHSU investigators will present their research on schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders, including Dr. Peter Buckley's National Institutes of Mental Health-funded study on relapse prevention. Researchers also explore potential treatments for stress-induced anxiety behavior and prenatal stress-related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
A study by molecular geneticist Shiva Singh found that even identical twins have distinct DNA profiles due to random genetic variations. The research uses monozygotic twins with one having schizophrenia to investigate the genetic determinants of schizophrenia.
Researchers create induced pluripotent stem cells from adult siblings with schizophrenia and DISC1 gene mutation, providing a potential tool for screening treatments and understanding the disease. The stem cells can be coaxed to become brain cells like neurons, offering new insights into the causes of major mental illnesses.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that each strain of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers a unique reaction in human nerve cells, varying the severity of infection. The research found alterations triggered by the most virulent strain to be linked to brain development and central nervous system function.
Researchers found a rare genetic glitch in patients with schizophrenia that could lead to improved treatments. The VIPR2 gene mutation was linked to overactive VIP activity, which can impact brain development and learning, offering potential targets for new therapies.
Researchers discovered a rare gene mutation strongly linked to schizophrenia, which could be a new target for effective treatment. The mutation affects the VIPR2 gene, leading to increased signaling in the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide pathway.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies suggests that cannabis users develop psychosis about 2.7 years younger than non-users. The study supports the view that cannabis precipitates schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, potentially through genetic and environmental interactions or disrupting brain development.
Patients with schizophrenia who take antipsychotics for extended periods may experience a measurable decrease in brain tissue over time. The study suggests that long-term antipsychotic use can contribute to progressive changes in brain volume, even after controlling for other factors.
A new meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients shows that cannabis use is associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness by up to 2.7 years, with possible life-long consequences for brain development and mental health outcomes.
A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.
Seven CAMH scientists receive NARSAD Young Investigator awards to conduct genetic, clinical, and neuroimaging studies guiding future treatments and personalized approaches for schizophrenia and depression. The research aims to enhance treatments and improve the lives of people living with mental illness.
Research suggests that stimulating alpha-7 nicotinic receptors could enhance cortical function and improve symptoms of schizophrenia. Two studies found that low doses of AZD0328 and DMXB-A produced significant improvements in spatial working memory tasks, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for cognitive impairments.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia have abnormalities in inhibitory neurons within the cortex and increases in neurons in white matter below the cortex. The researchers suggest that inhibitory neurons may be 'stuck' at a stage of development due to genetic and environmental factors.
A University of Montreal study found that there are significant gender differences in mental ability, with women outperforming men in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia. The research suggests that sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen may play a role in these findings.
A Penn-led study of over 18,000 patients with schizophrenia found no significant difference in nonsuicide mortality between ziprasidone and olanzapine, two second-generation anti-psychotics. The findings provide reassurance for clinicians prescribing these medications.
Addex Pharmaceuticals highlights the power of its allosteric modulation technology platform, presenting data on nine therapeutic programs across various receptor types and therapeutic areas. The company's technology is allowing it to bring a new kind of chemistry to industrial drug discovery efforts, improving productivity in pharmaceu...
A new Cochrane systematic review found that changing family behavior can help prevent relapses in people with schizophrenia. The study analyzed data from 53 trials involving over 4,700 patients and showed significant benefits of family interventions, including reduced hospital admissions and improved social functioning.
A significant genetic deletion on chromosome 17 has been identified as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. The study found that patients with this deletion were at least 13.58 times more likely to develop ASD or schizophrenia.
A study analyzing genomic DNA from over 23,000 patients with ASD, developmental delay, or schizophrenia found a common deletion on chromosome 17 that increases the risk of developing either condition by at least 13.58 times.
A study examining over 3 million veterans found that those with bipolar disorder were more likely to die by suicide than any other psychiatric diagnosis. The risk was highest in men with bipolar disorder, followed by depression, substance use disorders, and PTSD.