Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
A Stanford study reveals that a single copy of the low-activity COMT protein may be a major risk factor for the development of schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders in children with a chromosome 22 deletion. This genetic variation can lead to an increased drop in verbal IQ, expressive language skills, and prefrontal cortex volume.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made new findings linking genetic variants to susceptibility to autism and schizophrenia. The study suggests that a mutated form of the EN2 gene may contribute to up to 40% of autism cases, while another gene called CAPON has been implicated in schizophrenia.
The CATIE study found that while newer medications have no substantial advantage over older antipsychotics, individual differences in patient response to these drugs remain crucial. Patients on olanzapine tended to stay on the medication longer but experienced increased side effects such as weight gain and metabolic changes.
A new Yale study reconciles two long-standing models of schizophrenia: the dopamine hypothesis and the PCP Model. Researchers found that drugs like ketamine, which block glutamate receptors, produce a more complete schizophrenia-like state than amphetamine.
A study has found a significant connection between the CAPON gene and schizophrenia, with brain samples from patients showing higher levels of the short form of the protein. This increase was predominantly seen in individuals with variants of the CAPON gene previously linked to schizophrenia.
A new study published in Schizophrenia Research found that individuals with schizotypal personalities are more creative than normal or fully schizophrenic people. They also use the right side of their brains more heavily to access creativity. This is supported by research showing a disproportionate number of schizotypes and schizophren...
A four-year multicenter study will examine why minorities face dangerous misdiagnoses for mood disorders, leading to excessive antipsychotic drug use among African-Americans. The research aims to identify underlying reasons and develop new education techniques to improve diagnosis and treatment plans.
Researchers found a disrupted brain wave pattern in patients with schizophrenia, which may help understand attention deficits. The study aims to develop a biological test to distinguish patients with schizophrenia from those with bipolar disorder.
A study found that prenatal exposure to famine in China's Wuhu region increased the risk of schizophrenia in later life. Birth rates dropped significantly during the famine years, and the risk of developing schizophrenia increased among those born during this time.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that people with schizophrenia can remember things just as well as healthy subjects with proper cues and memory aids. The research suggests a new way to understand the cognitive problems underlying schizophrenia, offering hope for more effective cognitive rehabilitation programs.
Edwin Rydberg wins prestigious EMBO Science Writing Prize with his essay Through The Illusions, exploring the link between DNA changes, smoking and schizophrenia. His work showcases a fascinating combination of factors, inspiring new research in popular science writing.
A study at McGill University investigates the links between brain behavior, neurochemistry, and molecular biology in relation to mental disorders. The researchers aim to develop diagnostic tools, treatment, and prevention strategies for conditions like schizophrenia.
Researchers found a correlation between delusion strength and 'world motion' perception in schizophrenia patients. This supports the view that delusions may be caused by an inability to attribute agency to sensory experiences.
A comprehensive survey of schizophrenia rates around the globe debunks a popular textbook definition that the disorder affects 10 in every 1000 people. The study reveals the incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia varies greatly between regions, with poorer countries having more women affected than men.
A comprehensive analysis of 1,721 estimates from 188 studies covering 46 countries found schizophrenia is more common in developed countries but overall less common than thought. The study revealed that immigrant populations have higher rates of the disease than native-born individuals.
A study examined the effect of SEROQUEL on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, showing improved overall cognition. Another analysis found that patients taking atypical antipsychotics had better treatment compliance compared to those taking conventional antipsychotics.
SEROQUEL demonstrates a higher compliance rate compared to risperidone and olanzapine, with significant improvements in cognitive function, including working and verbal memory, while also offering a superior side effect profile.
A study by Columbia University found a potential link between maternal toxoplasmosis gondii infection and an increased risk of schizophrenia in adult offspring, particularly those with high antibody titers. The researchers suggest that inflammation may be the underlying mechanism behind this association.
A Pitt professor has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study brain communication and its impact on mental disorders like schizophrenia. The two-year, $45,000 fellowship will fund his research into how brain areas interact during normal behaviors and how this interaction breaks down in schizophrenia.
A study found that increased activity in the prefrontal cortex predicts higher dopamine levels in the midbrain in individuals with the val COMT gene type, while decreased activity is seen in those with the met type. This suggests a 'tuning' model where dopamine regulates signal-to-noise ratios in brain cells.
Researchers found that nearly all psychiatrists consider metabolic side effects serious or very serious, but baseline data and regular checks are often neglected. The study highlights the need for clinicians to change their practice to reflect this concern and provide better care for patients with schizophrenia.
A new study found that an atypical antipsychotic drug can prevent brain loss in patients with schizophrenia when started early. The study, led by Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, measured brain volume and cognitive changes in 263 first-episode schizophrenia patients and 58 non-schizophrenic volunteers over a two-year period.
A Rutgers scientist will use a new grant to investigate schizophrenia genes, with the goal of finding better treatments and reduced morbidity. The researcher aims to analyze genetic data using a new statistical analysis method and investigate a recently described class of genes involved in the central nervous system.
A recent brain imaging study found that individuals at high risk for schizophrenia show altered neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting biological changes prior to disease onset. The study used fMRI scans to identify potential biomarkers of vulnerability, which could aid in early intervention and treatment.
A comprehensive treatment approach for all schizophrenia symptoms is possible, enabling patients to recover and lead fuller lives. Atypical antipsychotics have shown promise in improving cognition and addressing depressive symptoms, but individual side effects and preferences must be considered.
A U of T researcher has discovered a connection between gene mutations and schizophrenia, suggesting the brain overcompensates for these mutations by becoming supersensitive to dopamine. This new understanding could lead to new research directions into schizophrenia.
Research found significant insulin resistance and impaired glucose effectiveness in non-obese patients treated with clozapine, olanzapine, or risperidone. This may increase the risk for diabetes mellitus in vulnerable individuals.
The NIH is providing $32.8 million to enhance its Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN), a consortium of universities and research groups focused on utilizing information technology innovations to advance biomedical science. BIRN aims to create an environment encouraging collaborative research, facilitating sharing, analysis, ...
Researchers found that schizophrenic patients lacked gamma band response, indicating defective communication between neurons, while healthy brains showed synchronized activity at 40 hertz. The study suggests that drugs promoting a normal gamma response may help alleviate schizophrenia symptoms.
PKC enzyme's excessive activity is associated with symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Increasing PKC activity in the prefrontal cortex impairs cognitive function, while inhibition may offer therapeutic benefits.
Researchers found that a defect in RGS4 gene may cause schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as difficulty filtering out unimportant sensory information. The study uses mouse brain nerve cell circuitry to better understand the cause of schizophrenia.
Researchers used DTI scans to analyze the movement of water molecules in brain fibers, finding abnormalities in neural pathways related to verbal memory and executive functioning. The study suggests that schizophrenia may result from differences in neural connections rather than single component faults.
Physicians and individuals with stable schizophrenia report similar top treatment goals: improving mental health and overall happiness. People with schizophrenia prioritize life goals, such as returning to favorite hobbies and reducing feelings of isolation.
A new study reveals that 8 out of 10 patients with serious mental illnesses are satisfied with their Seroquel treatment, experiencing improved positive and negative symptoms. This is attributed to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile, leading to better compliance and outcomes.
The UCI Brain Imaging Center will utilize advanced fMRI, PET, and DTI imaging techniques to study abnormal brain networks in schizophrenia. The goal is to identify the underlying biology of the disease and develop more effective treatments.
Research suggests a double dissociation in deficit and nondeficit schizophrenia, with summer births associated with deficit syndrome. The association was found across six countries in the northern hemisphere, supporting seasonal variations in etiology.
Children of parents with schizophrenia are vulnerable to developing interpersonal difficulties later in life. The study highlights the need for support to help these individuals cope with the illness.
A recent study found that people with schizophrenia in China are 24 times more likely to die by suicide than those without the condition. The research suggests a possible link between the prevalence of schizophrenia and suicide in women, who make up a larger proportion of those affected.
A mouse study has identified a potential genetic link between NPAS3 and NPAS1 genes and psychosis. The mutated mice displayed deficits consistent with schizophrenia, including impaired social interaction and startle response. Further research is needed to confirm the connection.
A new study identifies a genetic link between schizophrenia and the GRM3 gene, which regulates glutamate in brain synapses. People with the 'A' variant have lower levels of glutamate and poorer cognitive function compared to those with the 'G' variant.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to influenza may increase the risk of schizophrenia in offspring years later, with a threefold increased risk when exposure occurred during the first half of pregnancy. The study analyzed archived sera from pregnant women and their children born between 1959-1966.
Researchers Wade Berrettini and Irwin Lucki received Distinguished Investigator Awards to study gene identification and behavioral effects of neurotrophins. Monica Gonzalez won a Young Investigator Award to investigate the effect of long-term light deprivation on depression.
In a European multicentre trial, 119 schizophrenia patients showed significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms after transitioning to risperidone long-acting injection. The study found that over one-third of patients experienced an improvement of more than 20% in the PANSS total score.
The studies confirm SEROQUEL's effectiveness across a range of schizophrenia symptoms, including positive and negative symptoms, and cognitive functioning. Cognitive improvements were seen in patients treated with SEROQUEL.
Researchers found that delta-9-THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in some subjects. These symptoms included paranoia, thought disorder, and problems with memory and attention.
Cognitive impairments are a significant contributor to the disability associated with schizophrenia. Recent research indicates that medications currently available do little to remedy this aspect of the illness. New trials, part of the TURNS initiative, aim to develop new treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that dysbindin protein expression is reduced in over 80% of patients with schizophrenia, correlating with increased glutamate packets. This discovery provides a critical lead for understanding schizophrenia's cellular mechanisms.
Researchers at Yale University developed an imaging test that identifies patients with schizophrenia with 97 percent accuracy. The test targets abnormalities in the auditory cortex and has potential as a powerful clinical tool for assessing schizophrenia.
Researchers found that patients taking newer antipsychotics had less than one-third the incidence of violent behavior compared to those on older conventional medications. The study, which followed 229 patients with schizophrenia for two years, suggests that these medications may be more effective in reducing violence.
Researchers found that a gene variation associated with schizophrenia may have an evolutionary advantage, promoting human survival. The HOPA12pb polymorphism is more common in men and may be involved in resistance to infection and infant survival.
A new study found that only 41% of schizophrenia patients take their antipsychotic medication on a regular basis. Non-adherence is linked to higher medical costs and hospitalizations, with African-Americans and Latino patients more likely to be non-adherent than Caucasians. Living independently or being homeless are also associated wit...
Researchers found a moderate link between celiac disease and schizophrenia, with individuals having celiac disease three times more likely to develop the condition. A gluten-free diet may be beneficial for those genetically prone to celiac disease but undiagnosed, according to lead author Dr. William W. Eaton.
Studies find that prenatal exposure to lead, alcohol, and anesthetic drugs can cause brain damage in young adults. Research suggests that these substances trigger apoptosis, a form of cell death, by interfering with neural connections.
A two-year study found that quetiapine treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in positive, negative and depressive symptoms. Patients also showed notable enhancements in quality of life, with minimal reported side effects.
A new study demonstrates the benefits of Risperdal Consta in young adults with schizophrenia, improving symptoms and reducing side effects. The treatment showed significant satisfaction and improvement in health-related quality of life, making it a promising option for patients.
A Swedish study found that risperidone long-acting injection reduced hospital admissions by 23% and mean hospital stay duration by 35%. This results in significant cost savings for the healthcare system, with estimates suggesting up to €6,300 per patient annually.
A new study explores the potential of erythropoietin (EPO) as a neuroprotective agent for schizophrenia. EPO was found to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enhance cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia. The results suggest that EPO may be a promising compound for preventing loss of brain function in this disease.
Researchers used DTI to study adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia and found distinct differences in white brain matter of the frontal lobe. This disruption can lead to developmental abnormalities and abnormal behaviors.
A randomized, double-blinded study found no differences between olanzapine and haloperidol in reducing schizophrenia symptoms or improving quality of life. Olanzapine was associated with higher costs due to its high price tag, despite slightly better cognitive status and less restlessness.
Researchers discover that DARPP-32 interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems to produce similar physiological symptoms in mice treated with LSD, PCP, and amphetamine. The findings provide new avenues for treating schizophrenia and suggest DARPP-32 as a critical regulator of neurotransmitters involved in mood and behavior.