Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that people with schizophrenia use different areas of their brain than healthy individuals for working memory. While healthy subjects relied on a specialized network, schizophrenic patients used a wider network to achieve the same goal.
Dr. Lin Mei received the 2008 Mathilde Solowey Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on neural circuitry formation and synaptic plasticity. His studies have revealed potential causes of schizophrenia and seizures, as well as new treatment targets for psychiatric diseases.
A new study found that clozapine was approximately twice as effective as high-dose olanzapine in treating adolescents with schizophrenia. Both medications produced significant weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, but clozapine showed greater symptom reduction for positive and negative symptoms.
Researchers discovered a new genetic link between the MEGF10 gene and schizophrenia, finding that a variant of the gene is associated with increased heritability risk. The study also found that the MEGF10 gene is expressed more extensively in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with schizophrenia.
A genetic variant in the Reelin gene significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia in women, according to a recent genome-wide association study. The study analyzed DNA from patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls across multiple populations, identifying a common variant that affects women only.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that immigrants living in neighborhoods with a small proportion of their own ethnic group are at increased risk for psychotic disorders. The research confirms the importance of environmental and social experiences in contributing to these disorders.
A study of over 1.38 million Danish births found a significant association between exposure to severe stressful events during the first trimester and an increased risk of schizophrenia in children. Chemicals released by the mother's brain in response to stress may affect fetal brain development, particularly in early pregnancy.
A large comparison of blood samples found Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection may increase schizophrenia risk in people diagnosed with the disorder. People exposed to toxoplasma had a 24% higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
A study found that genes involved in neurovascular function, regulated by hypoxia, and interacted with serious obstetric complications to boost schizophrenia risk. The study used a family-based design and identified four significant gene-environment interactions.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the RGS4 gene predict antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia patients, with varying predictive power across different ethnic groups. The research highlights the potential for pharmacogenomics to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.
Research elucidates genetic connection between schizophrenia and cancer, suggesting cells with shared genes respond differently to external stimuli. The findings may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating both conditions.
Researchers found brain size differences between adolescents with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as between boys and girls. Puberty may contribute to these changes, suggesting sex hormones influence brain development and potentially informing treatment approaches.
Research at UCSD reveals ketamine impairs brain circuitry by increasing superoxide production, leading to memory and attention problems. Inhibiting NADPH oxidase could provide novel treatments for schizophrenia.
Scientists at the Feinstein Institute have identified nine genetic markers that can increase a person's risk for schizophrenia. The study used a new mathematical approach to analyze genetic information, providing evidence of a recessive inheritance pattern. This discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop a ruptured appendix, with a 46.7% rate compared to 25.1% of the general population. The research highlights disparities in healthcare provision for mental illness and physical disease.
Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.
Researchers developed a top-down analytical approach to understand schizophrenia's symptom inconsistencies, linking them to instability in attractor neural networks. The study suggests that decreased excitatory NMDA-mediated synaptically activated receptor conductances contribute to attention difficulties and reduced emotions.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan, reduces dyskinesias in rats. Additionally, a drug tested as a schizophrenia therapy, BMY-14802, has been shown to effectively curb the involuntary movements more so than dextromethorphan.
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that 80% of participants who 'heard' phrases in length developed a schizophrenia-related illness. The finding suggests an early warning sign for the condition, which could be identified through inexpensive preventive drug therapy.
Researchers have identified epigenetic mechanisms involved in schizophrenia, pointing to potential new targets for medications. The GAD1 gene's role in producing the neurotransmitter GABA is also linked to brain development abnormalities.
A large study found that healthy individuals with schizophrenia risk alleles had minute decrements in cognitive ability and altered schizotypal beliefs, highlighting the genetic liability to psychosis expressed at the population level.
Researchers found that administering a drug to stimulate another type of glutamate receptor can normalize abnormal brain function associated with schizophrenia. This finding provides promising therapeutic potential for improving treatments available to patients struggling with the disorder.
A mouse model for schizophrenia has been developed, allowing researchers to turn the mutated DISC-1 gene on or off at will. The study showed significant behavioral changes in male mice, including increased activity and aggression, as well as memory difficulties in females.
A new study by Hopkins researchers reveals that the DISC1 protein plays a critical role in guiding newly made nerve cells into the brain's neural network, allowing them to integrate seamlessly. Abnormalities in this process may contribute to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
A study reveals that the DISC1 gene directs the incorporation of new neurons into the adult brain, regulating their process under control. Reduced DISC1 levels in mice led to accelerated integration of neurons into existing brain circuitry, resulting in abnormal neural function.
Research found strong associations between several genes and schizophrenia, with evidence of positive selection on genes like DISC1, DTNBP1, and NRG1. This supports the theory that schizophrenia represents a maladaptive by-product of human evolution.
Researchers discovered a genetic variation that causes overexpression of Neuregulin 1 type 4 in the human brain, which may contribute to schizophrenia. This study provides new insight into the disease's underlying biology and could lead to improved therapies.
Elyn Saks, a highly successful academic, has battled schizophrenia since adolescence. Despite hiding her illness, she has published a memoir and now advocates for mental health awareness, hoping to reduce stigma.
Researchers found structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions associated with chronic auditory hallucinations in schizophrenic patients. The study used MRI to identify biological markers for treatment and monitor patient response.
Researchers created a genetically engineered mouse that models both anatomical and behavioral defects of schizophrenia, a complex brain disorder. The new mouse is based on a genetic change in the DISC1 gene, which affects nerve cell function, and shows characteristic defects in brain structure and behavior.
Three QUT researchers, including Dr Joanne Voisey, have received Smart State Fellowships to develop a genetic test for schizophrenia diagnosis and a polymer bandage for treating burn-related scars. Dr Martens will work on purifying water using nano-technology.
A new study analyzing data from CATIE participants found that schizophrenia patients who also have a history of childhood conduct problems are more likely to commit acts of violence. The researchers suggest that antipsychotic medications may not be sufficient to treat violent symptoms in these individuals, highlighting the need for tar...