Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that men who participate in sports or vigorous physical activity are less likely to suffer from osteoporotic fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 men and found that those with higher levels of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of fractures. By taking exercise, ...
Researchers have identified a check and balance system for neuron activity managed by neuregulin-1, revealing new treatment targets for psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. The findings also provide insights into the cognitive deficits associated with these conditions.
In a six-week study, Aripiprazole demonstrated significant improvement compared to placebo on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Total Score. The study found that approximately 85% of patients completed the study, and both doses of Aripiprazole showed improvement compared to placebo.
The study found that adults taking adjunctive aripiprazole had a greater reduction in MADRS Total Score compared to placebo, indicating improved depressive symptoms. Common adverse events included akathisia, insomnia, and restlessness, with a lower discontinuation rate due to adverse events for aripiprazole.
A six-month study demonstrated that bifeprunox maintained stability and displayed a favorable weight and lipid profile compared to placebo in patients with schizophrenia. The treatment also showed promising results in reducing the risk of deterioration over time.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze blood chemicals in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment, revealing distinct chemical signatures that differ according to the medication used. The findings may lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment planning, and a deeper understanding of the disease's causes and effects.
Researchers have demonstrated that malfunctioning of the DISC1 gene causes symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia and depression in mice. Antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs alleviated these symptoms, supporting the theory that the two disorders share common genetic mechanisms.
Researchers have pinpointed how different types of damage to the DISC1 gene can cause schizophrenia and major depression. The study, published in Neuron, provides further evidence that these illnesses are inherited and may help doctors tailor treatments.
UC Irvine researchers identified a new class of compounds that target nicotinic receptors in the brain, improving working memory and filtering sensory input. The findings suggest potential treatment possibilities for schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease, offering a safer alternative to nicotine.
Researchers discover that genetic alterations in NRG1-erbB signaling contribute to psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. They find that blocking this signaling pathway leads to changes in brain structure and function, affecting the dopamine system and causing behavioral symptoms.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that strengthens brain networks by closing ion channels, which may improve working memory and reduce distractibility in conditions like ADHD. This discovery has implications for developing drug therapies for normal aging and treating cognitive changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Bifeprunox demonstrates a favorable weight and lipid profile, comparable to placebo, in patients with stable schizophrenia. The treatment also showed decreases in body weight and minor reductions in BMI in patients with acute exacerbations of schizophrenia.
A study led by Dr. Diana Perkins identified lower levels of microRNAs in the brains of adults with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. The research suggests that altered expression of microRNAs may be involved in the development of schizophrenia, potentially related to disordered synaptic plasticity.
Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new gene that increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. The study, which analyzed over 500,000 genetic markers, found a significant link between a chromosomal region called PAR1 and the disease.
A new study challenges the World Health Organization's idea that schizophrenia is relatively more benign in developing societies. The research compares biological and cultural indicators of schizophrenia in urban, Western societies with data from Palau, which has one of the highest rates of schizophrenia diagnosis in the world.
Two new studies from the CATIE trial provide more insights into comparing treatment options and their impact on people with schizophrenia. The trials found that newer antipsychotic medications like quetiapine and olanzapine may be more effective than older medications, but patient responses varied significantly.
A new framework has been established to determine schizophrenia risk based on eye movement and attention focus. Researchers found that individuals with dilute forms of schizophrenia-like symptoms are at higher risk, even if they have never had the illness.
A recent MIT study reveals a genetic link between gene mutations and schizophrenia, focusing on the calcineurin system as a potential target for future treatments.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation associated with a mild form of schizophrenia, which also confers improved overall survival. The HOPA12pb gene variation affects dopamine-releasing neurons and may hold the key to developing new treatments for schizophrenia and other related illnesses.
Research reveals genetic variation in the DARPP-32 gene linked to improved cognitive performance and increased risk of schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest a possible genetic connection between the protein and frontostriatal brain structure and function.
A common gene variant is found to optimize brain function and improve thinking abilities, but also increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. The study suggests that this variant may have a paradoxical effect when combined with impaired prefrontal cortex function.
A study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics identifies the chitinase 3-like 1 gene as a potential risk factor for schizophrenia. Genetic variations in this gene were found to be associated with schizophrenia, suggesting that genes involved in biological response to adverse conditions may play a role in predisposition.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases. A third of those with schizophrenia had three or more physical health conditions, highlighting the need for integrated care.
A study found that monitoring grey matter density over time using brain scans could help early detection of individuals at risk for schizophrenia. The results showed a correlation between reduced grey matter density and increased risk of developing the condition.
A study found that schizophrenia patients respond equally well to older psychiatric drugs as newer, costlier alternatives. The NHS-funded trial revealed little benefit from switching to second-generation anti-psychotics despite their higher market share.
A new study suggests that older antipsychotic medication perphenazine is less expensive and equally effective as newer medications for treating schizophrenia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that total monthly health costs were up to 30% lower for patients taking perphenazine compared to those taking secon...