Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found a genetic variant causing disrupted communication between brain regions, leading to working memory deficits and increasing the risk of schizophrenia. The study used a mouse model with a 22q11 deletion mutation, which showed impaired neural activity and behavior in cognitive tasks.
A study found Raloxifene improves psychosis symptoms and enhances memory in postmenopausal women with schizophrenia. The therapy may revolutionize treatment options for women suffering from the condition.
A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.
Researchers at UC Davis have found a strong association between cognitive deficits and decreased levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that targeting the GABA system may help address cognitive decline in the disorder.
Researchers found similar connectivity between genes in normal individuals and schizophrenia patients, but a significant link between aging and gene expression patterns was discovered. Age-related aberrant regulation of developmentally related genes might explain at least part of the manifestation of schizophrenia.
Researchers identified a link between aging and abnormal gene expression patterns in schizophrenia patients, suggesting that age-related aberrant regulation of developmental genes may explain the manifestation of the disease. The study supports early intervention and treatment tailored to the patient's age.
Two studies found that anomalies in the DISC1 gene and its interaction with Kal-7 protein disrupt dendritic spine formation, leading to weaker connections between neurons. This abnormal connectivity is thought to contribute to the onset of schizophrenia symptoms in young adulthood.
Researchers manipulate a schizophrenia susceptibility gene in fetal mice to unravel the link between prenatal brain development and adult cognition. The study finds that transient reduction of the Disrupted-in-Schozophrenia-1 gene leads to aberrant changes in adult animals, including perturbation of specific dopaminergic brain pathways.
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is being studied by analyzing behavior in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation. Researchers hope to understand the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and potentially develop more targeted treatments.
Researchers have discovered a possible biomarker for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using electroretinography, suggesting retinal deficits contribute to perceptual problems. This finding highlights the importance of considering subtle visual issues in individuals with these conditions.
Regular exercise has been shown to increase hippocampal volume in both healthy individuals and those with schizophrenia, suggesting the brain retains some plasticity despite the disorder. This finding offers hope for potential benefits of incorporating physical activity into treatment plans for patients with schizophrenia.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that early intervention may be able to prevent schizophrenia in those at high risk. The researchers found that administering drugs to rats during adolescence prevented the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms and brain deterioration.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of crime and have poorer mental health. The study also estimated a significant economic impact of legal involvement on patients, with direct costs ranging from $1429 per patient per year.
A long-term study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that children who later developed schizophrenia showed early cognitive deficits in verbal and visual learning, reasoning, and processing speed. These deficits persisted as they grew, with the children losing mental age at a rate comparable to those without schizophrenia.
A Tel Aviv University study found that restoring normal estrogen levels can alleviate schizophrenia-like behavior in female rats. The researchers also discovered that estrogen increases the effectiveness of anti-psychotic drugs, providing potential hope for treating psychosis in women vulnerable to schizophrenia.
A breakthrough blood test for diagnosing schizophrenia could become available in 2010, marking a significant shift from traditional brain-based diagnostic methods. The test leverages biomarkers detected in the blood and other bodily fluids to provide a real-time picture of the disease.
Researchers found a link between the MET proto-oncogene and reduced cancer risk in people with schizophrenia, suggesting an intriguing relationship between cancer-related genes and schizophrenia susceptibility. The study suggests that the gene's activation mechanism may be similar to its role in autism.
Researchers found that expressing mutant DISC1 during prenatal periods, postnatal periods, or both led to distinct brain alterations and behaviors resembling schizophrenia or mood disorders. The study suggests that manipulating DISC1 expression timing may help develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have developed a mouse model that exhibits schizophrenia-like behavior, allowing for better understanding and potential treatments. The mouse's impaired short-term memory and increased movement are similar to those seen in human patients with schizophrenia, providing a valuable tool for studying the disorder.
Researchers used biosensors to study how anti-psychotic drugs, such as atypical neuroleptics, affect the brain. The study found that these drugs block a particular type of receptor, overriding the increase in acetylcholine they stimulate.
Research highlights new techniques to assess PTSD, identify biomarkers for schizophrenia, and develop treatment for gambling addiction. These breakthroughs may lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
A new study published in Science has found that a specific gene associated with schizophrenia plays a critical role in adaptive plasticity, the brain's ability to compensate for disruptions. The discovery suggests that impaired adaptive plasticity may contribute to the development or progression of schizophrenia.
Researchers found raised levels of interleukin-1beta in the spinal fluid of recent-onset schizophrenia patients, indicating activated brain immune defense systems. This discovery offers new potential treatments for the condition, potentially interrupting its course at an early stage.
The research found that patients with schizophrenia from diverse countries and healthcare systems shared similar symptoms, treatment regimens, and socio-economic challenges. Key findings included high rates of antipsychotic polypharmacy and hospitalizations, as well as significant sexual dysfunction.
Researchers used PET scans to identify neuroinflammation in the brains of schizophrenics and migraine sufferers, shedding light on the underlying causes of these conditions. The findings have the potential to transform diagnosis and treatment options, particularly for schizophrenia.
Researchers at King's College London discovered abnormalities in white matter that trigger the onset of schizophrenia, particularly in posterior regions. The study suggests that faulty 'wiring' in key brain areas contributes to the development of full-blown symptoms.
Scientists found a newly discovered gene, KIAA1212, linking to schizophrenia and autism susceptibility genes. They successfully 'rescued' damaged brain cells using rapamycin, a drug acting on mTOR protein.
A CSHL-led team discovered a rare mutation on human chromosome 16 that dramatically increases the risk of schizophrenia. The mutation is associated with an eight-fold increased risk, and studies also found a correlation between 16p11.2 mutations and head size.
A new UK study found that heavy cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia in young people. To prevent one case of schizophrenia, it would be necessary to stop around 2,800 male and 5,000 female heavy users, or over 10,000 and 30,000 light users, respectively.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Todd Lencz and Prof. Ariel Darvasi will conduct a groundbreaking study on the genetic basis of schizophrenia using advanced technologies and a large sample group of 4000 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals.
Researchers found that antiepileptic drugs administered during brain development increase schizophrenia-like behaviors in animal models. In humans, having a history of seizures is a significant risk factor for developing schizophrenia.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a genetic lesion associated with schizophrenia disrupts brain development, altering neuron numbers and GABAergic cell placement. This finding supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, offering new avenues for understanding the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers.
The center will investigate the link between schizophrenia and dysfunctional brain N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA). Researchers aim to identify pre-symptomatic individuals in adolescence to intervene before disease effects take hold. The grant also supports a summer undergraduate research program.
Case Western Reserve University researchers are using pluripotent stem cells to study schizophrenia and gain a better understanding of the complex disease. The study aims to characterize brain cell function in adolescent patients with schizophrenia, with the goal of deciphering the underlying cause of the condition.
A Sydney study finds that stranger homicides by people with schizophrenia are extremely rare and unpredictable events. The research suggests that providing earlier treatment for schizophrenia can prevent such tragic events.
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified an area of the brain involved in the earliest stages of schizophrenia. Activity in this region, known as the CA1 subfield, may help predict disease progression and provide opportunities for more targeted drug development to block the mechanism.
Researchers created a mouse model with low kalirin levels that developed schizophrenia symptoms as an adolescent, mimicking human delayed onset. The study suggests stimulating kalirin activity could help alleviate cognitive symptoms, offering new treatment direction.
A systematic review of 20 studies found that individuals with schizophrenia are at increased risk of violence, but this risk is greatly outweighed by the effect of substance abuse. Substance abuse significantly increases the risk of violence for those with a psychotic illness, similar to those without a psychotic illness.
The NIMH is launching a large-scale research project to explore the effectiveness of early and aggressive treatment in reducing symptoms of chronic schizophrenia. The Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project aims to develop and test interventions that incorporate diverse treatment approaches and are tailored to i...
Researchers aim to develop an optimal early intervention strategy to treat first episode psychosis, reducing disability and mortality. The Recovery After Initial Schizophrenic Episode (RAISE) study will test culturally appropriate interventions in community-based sites.
Dr. Nichols' approach combines discovery studies with functional and behavioral studies in two models to determine how mental disorders like psychosis and schizophrenia develop. He aims to identify abnormally functioning genes and proteins that may represent novel therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study found that clozapine, restricted due to safety concerns, is associated with lower mortality compared to other antipsychotics. Long-term use of any antipsychotic reduces mortality by around 20%, indicating restrictions may have caused thousands of extra deaths worldwide.
Researchers found genetic variations on chromosome 6 associated with higher risk of schizophrenia. This discovery may lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and improve existing treatments.
Researchers aim to create a brain map that can help diagnose early-stage schizophrenia and guide more effective treatment. The study, led by Northwestern University, uses topographical brain maps to compare the structures of individuals with schizophrenia to those without, hoping to identify key differences in brain function.
Researchers have identified a connection between the immune system and schizophrenia, finding genetic variations that disrupt brain development, memory, and cognition. The study's findings hold promise for developing new treatments targeting specific molecular mechanisms involved in the disorder.
Genome-wide studies identify a vast array of genetic variation that may account for at least one third of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. The studies found a shared chromosomal neighborhood between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, implicating an area of Chromosome 6 in immunity and gene expression regulation.
A recent study supports multiple genetic contributions to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, explaining at least a third of the risk of inheriting these diseases. The research found common genetic variants associated with both conditions.
Researchers identified a significant association between gene variations on chromosome 6 and schizophrenia risk. The study, combining data from 27,000 individuals, found evidence of immune function's potential role in the disease.
A multi-national group of investigators discovered that nearly a third of schizophrenia's genetic basis may be attributed to thousands of common genetic variants. These variants add up to a significant risk for developing both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A UCLA study reveals that adolescents at high risk for schizophrenia show altered brain development, including reduced white matter integrity. This alteration can predict future functional decline and may be key to identifying individuals who need more treatment.
People with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of dying from all causes, including cancer, due to factors like smoking and delayed diagnosis. Cancer mortality rates among schizophrenic patients are significantly higher than those in the general population, particularly for women.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach for treating cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia by preventing the inactivation of D-serine. This method enhances the efficacy of D-serine, a previously used treatment, and may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
A new clinical discussion tool, GAIN, has been developed to help physicians discuss potential reasons for using long-acting injectable antipsychotic therapies with patients. The tool addresses barriers such as needle phobia and stigma, aiming to increase patient acceptance and adherence.
Researchers found no significant increase in violent crime among people with schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests that substance abuse co-occurring with schizophrenia is a key factor contributing to violence.
A study published in JAMA found that substance abuse increases the risk of violent crime in individuals with schizophrenia, with a 4.4-fold increased risk for those with comorbid substance abuse. The study also suggests that current practice for violence risk assessment and management may need review.
New studies demonstrate RISPERDAL CONSTA (risperidone) Long-Acting Treatment significantly improves clinical and functional outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. The treatment reduced rates of rehospitalization among patients, especially those with complex medical histories.
Researchers found significant cognitive problems exist in first-episode schizophrenia, affecting work, study, and social life. Early diagnosis may aid treatment and improve prognosis.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown form of potassium channel, Isoform 3.1, implicated in schizophrenia and linked to abnormal brain activity. Inhibiting this protein may correct disorganized brain activity without cardiac side effects associated with existing antipsychotic medications.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant that impairs communication within the brain, increasing the risk of schizophrenia and manic depression. The study found altered brain activity patterns, particularly between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other regions.