Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
Researchers identified 49 genes involved in cell-to-cell signalling in the brains of schizophrenia patients compared to controls, supporting the theory that faulty signalling is involved in the disease. The findings could lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating the condition.
Researchers will map planum temporale's functional organization to better understand its role in language abilities and disorders. The study aims to find connections between the brain region and conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and perfect pitch.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking neuregulin develop dendritic spine abnormalities and exhibit hallmarks of schizophrenia, supporting the hypothesis that glutamatergic neurons play a crucial role. The study suggests that developmental defects in brain structure may contribute to schizophrenia's onset.
A UK survey found that only 30% of mental health workers discuss sexual health issues with service users, despite 80% agreeing it's an important part of their role. The study also revealed low levels of awareness about HIV risks among people with schizophrenia, leading to concerns about infection rates and staff safety.
A new study reveals that large structural DNA changes, known as copy number variants, may be responsible for schizophrenia. Researchers found eight deletions in patients' genomes, two of which were newly identified, suggesting that these rare variations could be causative.
Schizophrenia can be detected early by identifying physical markers in the brain, according to Prof. Talma Hendler's groundbreaking work on facial recognition and brain imaging. By analyzing brain activity in response to unusual emotional faces, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with delusions in people with schizophrenia, located within the neuregulin 3 gene on chromosome 10. The study suggests that this gene may contribute to the development of delusions and other symptoms of the condition.
Research suggests that schizophrenia patients' reduced non-verbal expressivity is linked to poor social skills and an inability to accurately imagine others' thoughts and feelings. This impairment contributes to difficulties in conversation and social interactions, making it challenging for people with schizophrenia to engage with others.
A new MIT study found that schizophrenia is linked to an overactive 'default mode' brain system involved in self-reflection. This hyperactive system causes patients to have an exaggerated focus on themselves, leading to cognitive and psychological symptoms.
A global study reveals that people with schizophrenia experience and expect significant discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, relationships, and social interactions. The study, which analyzed data from 27 countries, found that negative experienced discrimination was common across all domains.
A large-scale study of 9 million Swedish individuals reveals that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share common genetic causes, with heritability rates of 64% and 59%, respectively. This finding challenges the long-held distinction between the two conditions, suggesting a reappraisal of their diagnostic entities.
Research suggests that autism and schizophrenia may stem from similar physical abnormalities caused by disruptions in early organogenesis, typically between 20-40 days after fertilization. This developmental stage is critical in shaping the body's development, and errors during this period can lead to various mental health disorders.
Researchers identified a faulty brain circuit and developed an experimental agent that improves working memory and EEG signals in people with schizophrenia. The study found the drug MK-0777 to be well-tolerated, but further trials are needed to verify its value.
Elevated levels of kynurenic acid in the brain have been linked to problem-solving deficits in patients with schizophrenia. The finding suggests that drugs targeting this compound could be used to treat cognitive impairments associated with the disorder.
A collaborative study reveals how interactions between common gene variants affect brain function in schizophrenia patients, particularly in working memory. The findings suggest that combining these genetic variations may lead to reduced cortical activity, making them potential new targets for treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified the orbitofrontal cortex as a promising target for developing new antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia. The study found that this brain region responds to both dopamine and glutamate, neurotransmitters linked to schizophrenia.
Researchers found that deleting the gene for glutamate transporter EAAT1 leads to increased responses to NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, resulting in schizophrenia-like features in mice. The study suggests a promising new class of glutamate-targeting antipsychotic treatments may help correct these abnormalities.
Research suggests that cerebral inflammation and microglia activation contribute to schizophrenia development. Anti-inflammatory agents targeting activated microglia may provide a new treatment option for the condition.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a key brain link that causes schizophrenia, revealing NMDA receptors play a critical role in modifying brain oscillations. Optimizing receptor function could lead to new treatment approaches for the mental illness, affecting one in 100 people.
Research suggests that birth hypoxia may contribute to the development of schizophrenia by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. The study found a significant decrease in BDNF among individuals who later developed schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of maternal health during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified three new candidate genes for schizophrenia that may contribute to a better understanding of the disease. These genes are associated with brain function and are present in only 1% of schizophrenia patients, suggesting they play a significant role in its development.
NARSAD recognizes six scientists whose groundbreaking research has led to significant strides in understanding and treating mental illness. The 2008 prize winners include experts in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, childhood disorders, and cognitive neuroscience.
Researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels can indicate impending relapse in schizophrenia patients. BDNF levels may drop even before symptoms worsen, suggesting a potential biomarker for early intervention and treatment adjustment.
A new study found that newer atypical antipsychotic medications were not more effective than an older conventional antipsychotic in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia. The study also revealed potential metabolic side effects, particularly with olanzapine, which may lead to serious health issues.
Research suggests that brain immaturity, specifically in the dentate gyrus region, may contribute to schizophrenia. This underdeveloped area affects working memory and mood regulation., The findings imply a potential biomarker for diagnosing and treating schizophrenia.
A survey of 200 community-based schizophrenic patients found that 74.5% were treated with off-label medication, with the most common combination being an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer. The study highlights the limitations of first- and second-generation antipsychotics and the need for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered a molecular circuitry associated with schizophrenia, linking three previously known proteins. The study found that these proteins interact synergistically during normal brain development and are linked to the condition in some patients.
A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine found that while Americans believe mental illness has a genetic cause, this has not led to increased tolerance for people with mental illness. Genetic arguments are associated with fears regarding violence for schizophrenia but social acceptance for depression.
Research found pregnant women experiencing high psychological stress are more likely to give birth to a child with schizophrenia. The study, which analyzed data from 88,829 people born in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976, discovered a significantly higher incidence of schizophrenia among females.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that pregnant women experiencing severe stress during the second month of pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop schizophrenia. Women born in Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war had a higher risk of schizophrenia, particularly females.
A randomized, double-blind study involving 102 women with schizophrenia found that estrogen estradiol improved psychotic symptoms more effectively than antipsychotic medications alone. No significant difference was observed in negative symptoms, suggesting potential for longer-term treatment or alternative approaches.
Research suggests that schizophrenia may be a by-product of human brain evolution, driven by increased metabolic demands. The study found molecular mechanisms involved in the evolution of human cognitive abilities and identified changes in gene expression and metabolite concentrations in both healthy humans and individuals with schizop...
Research at Karolinska Institutet found that people with schizophrenia have an increased number of unusual chromosomal changes, particularly structural changes that can alter gene function. These changes, known as copy number variants, may contribute to the development of the disorder.
A multinational study has discovered that people with schizophrenia are more likely to carry rare chromosomal structural changes, particularly those altering gene function. Two new genomic areas have been identified as significantly increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in rare deletions and duplications of genetic material in people with schizophrenia, affecting 13.1% of cases and 10.4% of controls. Two new sites on Chromosomes 1 and 15 were implicated as potent risk factors for the disorder.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in schizophrenia research, identifying three microdeletions and several single nucleotide polymorphisms that contribute to the illness. These genetic variations increase disease risk, with one of the microdeletions found on chromosome 1 having a moderate to large impact.
Researchers have identified four mutated gene regions linked to schizophrenia, offering new hope for treatment and diagnosis. The findings may lead to individualized medicine and earlier identification of those at risk.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast aim to discover improved treatments for nicotine dependence and symptoms of schizophrenia. The three-year fellowship will investigate the effects of nicotine and withdrawal on response inhibition and brain activity in smokers with and without schizophrenia.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found four chromosomal regions linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder risk factors, suggesting that these disorders may represent different genetic subtypes. The discovery highlights the complexity of psychiatric diagnoses and provides new insights into potential treatment targets.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a core set of genes involved in nervous system development and cell death. This common genetic signature may provide a window into discovering new brain mechanisms and effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
The NIMH CNTRICS Initiative aims to improve schizophrenia treatment by defining cognitive processes and neural circuits. Cognitive neuroscience insights are being translated into better treatments for impaired cognition in schizophrenia.
A disturbed cleavage of the Nrg-1 protein is connected with the development of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. This discovery provides a new step forward in improved diagnosis and targeted treatment of the disease.
Researchers found a protein marker for schizophrenia risk in immune cells, with alpha defensin levels significantly elevated in patients and discordant twin pairs. This discovery could lead to the development of a simple blood test to evaluate schizophrenia risk.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that individuals with schizophrenia have lower levels of a key neurotransmitter GABA, which is impaired by the activation of the cannabinoid 1 receptor activated by marijuana. This impairment worsens cognitive symptoms and may lead to new drug targets for improved treatments.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic medications can reduce community violence in schizophrenia patients, but only among those with psychotic symptoms. Childhood conduct problems, substance abuse, and poverty remain significant predictors of violent behavior.
Research by NARSAD scientists provides clues on how genes impair attention, memory, and perception in psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The study focuses on specific genes and family traits that contribute to the susceptibility and pathology of these diseases.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers has identified rare spontaneous copy number mutations in the genomes of individuals with schizophrenia, accounting for at least 10% of non-familial cases. These genetic mutations were found to be present in affected individuals but not in their biological parents.
A study found that people with nonfamilial schizophrenia harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations than healthy controls, primarily affecting brain development pathways. This suggests that rare genetic variations contribute to the vulnerability of individuals without a family history of the illness.
New data reveals genetic variation in AKT1 affects cognition and grey-matter volume in the frontostriatal region, a brain area dysfunctional in individuals with schizophrenia. This association may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a previously unknown alteration in microRNA production linked to schizophrenia. By modeling mice with the same chromosome 22q11.2 deletion as humans with schizophrenia, they found that abnormalities in microRNAs can lead to synaptic and behavioral deficits.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new gene trigger for preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy disorder affecting 5% of pregnancies worldwide. A steroid molecule, 2-ME, may serve as both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic supplement for the treatment of preeclampsia.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a link between the BACE1 enzyme and schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice lacking this enzyme. The study found that these mice exhibited deficits in social recognition and other schizophrenia-like traits, which improved with treatment with antipsychotic drug clozapine.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry suggests a link between dopamine activity and lack of motivation in patients with schizophrenia. The research found that 11 out of 18 patients showed abnormal response to incentives, indicating an underlying brain chemical imbalance.
Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting demonstrate iloperidone's efficacy and safety in treating schizophrenia, with low rates of movement disorders and metabolic adverse events. Pharmacogenetic findings suggest potential for individualized treatment based on genetic markers.
Dr. Lin Mei has been recognized by a mental health research charity for his schizophrenia studies, which focus on altered brain cell communication. His research suggests that a balance of brain cell excitation and inhibition may be key to understanding the disease.
Ezra Susser received a $100,000 award to continue his research on the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to maternal famine increases risk of schizophrenia. The study will examine genetic mutations among persons exposed to the 1959-1960 China famine and collect diagnostic data and DNA samples.
A new study found that restrictive drug policies in Maine's Medicaid program led to a 29% increase in medication discontinuation among patients with schizophrenia. The policy, which required prior authorization for new medications, disrupted essential treatment and resulted in minimal cost savings.
A new method identified rare gene mutations in people with schizophrenia, which disrupt genes in pathways of neuronal development and regulation. The study suggests a previously unknown role for rare mutations in the causation of schizophrenia.
A team of researchers found that deletions and duplications of DNA are more common in people with schizophrenia, affecting genes related to brain development and neurological function. The study suggests that schizophrenia is caused by many different mutations in many different genes.
Studies find that rare genetic deletions and duplications in schizophrenia patients disrupt genes involved in brain development, potentially implicating hundreds of genes. The findings support a new approach for discovering genes associated with the disorder.