Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
The National Council's new eight-month pilot program aims to advance standards of care for people living with schizophrenia by improving their daily functioning, reducing stigma, and broadening understanding of the condition. The program will provide technical assistance and utilize an interactive assessment tool to track progress.
A UCLA study found that exposing fetal neurons to high levels of the immune protein MHC leads to abnormal brain development in mice. This discovery may provide new insights into factors contributing to human neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Ming T. Tsuang has been awarded the Lieber Prize for his groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, including identifying underlying causes of mental illnesses. His work aims to learn how to stop psychiatric disorders before they start.
Researchers identified a compound called CIQ that selectively enhances NMDA receptor function, targeting specific subunits believed to contribute to schizophrenia symptoms. This approach aims to compensate for deficits in patients with the condition by manipulating receptor signaling.
Researchers found a link between psychosis and an abnormal connection between dopamine and glutamate in the brain, suggesting new treatment approaches for schizophrenia. The study, funded by the MRC, may lead to better drugs for preventing psychotic symptoms.
Researchers at VCU have identified a potential risk gene for schizophrenia, CMYA5, associated with cardiomyopathy. The study involved over 33,000 participants and verified the findings through multiple independent samples.
Schizophrenia is a complex condition characterized by altered brain structure and neurotransmission, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and social withdrawal. Delayed access to treatment can result in slower recovery and increased risk of relapse, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Research highlights the importance of gene-environment interactions in understanding psychosis development. Environmental factors such as urbanicity, migration, and cannabis use have been shown to increase risk, while genetic vulnerability plays a role in making individuals more susceptible.
A study by University of Montreal scientists found an increased frequency of severe de novo mutations in critical brain genes for both autism and schizophrenia. The research suggests that harmful de novo mutations may explain the high global incidences of these conditions.
The latest research on schizophrenia focuses on prenatal factors, neurological development, prognosis, brain abnormalities, social cognition, and promising treatments.
A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that exposure to certain immune proteins during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Maternal levels of interleukin-8 were associated with structural brain changes in children diagnosed with schizophrenia.
A study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that an electroencephalography (EEG) test can predict how patients with schizophrenia will respond to clozapine therapy. The test achieved an accuracy of 89%, showing promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of serious side effects.
Studies found higher and lower levels of genes regulating spine plasticity in individuals with schizophrenia. These alterations may contribute to layer-specific deficits in dendritic spines, a structural abnormality relevant to the disorder. Further research aims to develop new treatments targeting these disturbances.
Researchers exposed fetal monkeys to x-rays and found a profound deficit in working memory ability when tested as adults. This mild insult early in gestation produced significant cognitive dysfunction that emerged with maturation, supporting the critical window of vulnerability during brain development.
Brain signs of schizophrenia found in babies with larger brains and lateral ventricles in high-risk group, differing from girls in the study. Early detection could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat the disease.
Research suggests that exposure to herpes simplex virus 1 may contribute to cognitive and brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. Patients with antibodies for HSV-1 performed poorly on cognitive tests and had reduced brain volume in key regions, including the anterior cingulate and cerebellum.
Researchers used CASL MRI to compare cerebral blood flow in 11 non-medicated patients with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls. The study revealed extensive areas of hypoperfusion in frontal lobes and higher cognitive function regions, while hyperperfusion was observed in cerebellum and brainstem.
A study published in the journal Addiction found that smoking cessation treatment is as effective among people with severe mental illnesses as it is for the general population. The treatment did not cause deterioration in mental health, and instead improved physical health, reducing mortality rates by three times.
Guy Rouleau has been awarded a $100,000 NARSAD Distinguished Investigator grant to study schizophrenia in 10 Pakistani families. The funding will support whole exome sequencing to identify genes associated with the disorder.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that the dopamine system of healthy, highly creative people is similar to that of people with schizophrenia. High creative skills are also linked to a higher risk of certain mental illnesses. The study suggests a possible mechanism behind creativity and mental health.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan is leading a research project to identify genetic links to psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He will analyze DNA from four families with a high number of affected members to uncover rare genetic variants and compare them to unrelated samples.
Antipsychotic drugs increase Akt signaling in C. elegans, a common effect across major categories of schizophrenia medication. This finding highlights the importance of Akt signaling in schizophrenia and suggests that medications or dietary approaches targeting this pathway may help alleviate symptoms.
Exercise programs improved anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, while changes in physical health outcomes were not significant. Regular exercise is recommended for those with schizophrenia, just like the general population.
Researchers identified copy number variations in genes that affect brain signaling, increasing the risk of schizophrenia. The study found overlaps with genes involved in autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, suggesting common pathogenesis mechanisms.
A study of British 12-year-olds found nearly 6 percent exhibiting at least one symptom of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. The children shared similar risk factors with adult schizophrenia, such as genetic and social risks.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered a strong link between rare gene variants on chromosome 16 and the development of various seizure disorders. The study found that deletions in this region can cause a wide range of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and specific forms of epilepsy.
A new study by Université de Montréal scientists finds that mutations in the SHANK3 gene are linked to schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder. The research also provides clues about the causes of this complex disorder, suggesting a molecular genetic link between schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers have found a specific genetic cause of schizophrenia that impairs communication between the brain's decision-making and memory hubs. Engineered mice with this mutation show difficulty with working memory tasks, highlighting the importance of connectivity in learning and memory.