Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to identify genes that predispose individuals to major mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The study aims to develop better treatments and tailored medications for these disorders, which often run in families.
A new study finds that Risperdal treatment reduces clinical outcomes, relapse risk by 30%, and significantly lowers medication costs compared to olanzapine. The results suggest that better schizophrenia treatment can improve patients' lives while reducing healthcare burdens.
Researchers have localized a major susceptibility gene for schizophrenia on chromosome 1, according to a study published in Science. The study involved assessing 300 individuals from 22 Canadian families with a high incidence of schizophrenia over a 12-year period.
Researchers found that modulating the cholinergic system significantly impacts schizophrenia symptoms, with potential therapeutic benefits for positive and negative symptoms. The study challenges decades-long dominance of the dopaminergic system in schizophrenia research.
Researchers at the University of Toronto and CAMH have discovered a natural window for blocking dopamine receptors to treat schizophrenia without excessive side effects. This breakthrough allows for lower doses of antipsychotic medication, reducing negative symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that the inferior parietal lobule is smaller in people with schizophrenia and 'built backward' from normal patterns in men. This abnormality may account for symptoms of distorted reality in schizophrenic patients.
Researchers have found that individuals with schizophrenia have significantly lower levels of reelin in their brains, suggesting a potential molecular origin for the condition. The discovery has important implications for treatment and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will receive $24 million over six years from Novartis Pharma AG to discover new treatments for schizophrenia. The partnership aims to find ways to treat patients with 'negative' symptoms, which are limited in emotional expression and social functioning.
A new national survey reveals evidence of stigma toward mentally ill individuals, viewing them as less competent and more violent. The study found that people with schizophrenia are viewed as more unable to manage daily affairs than those with depression.
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered animal model of schizophrenia, displaying behaviors consistent with the disease. The new model targets NMDA receptors, which may lead to improved treatment options and better understanding of the illness.
A recent study found that caregivers of mentally ill individuals are at a high risk of physical illness, with the severity of symptoms predicting burden and infections. Social support played a crucial role in reducing caregiver burden and infections.
A new report from Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia suggests a possible neuro-developmental theory of schizophrenia linked to altered brain development during the first three months of pregnancy. Abnormalities in retinoic acid signaling pathways may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
New research from London's Institute of Psychiatry suggests that clozapine, an atypical drug for schizophrenia, can restore information processing abilities in patients. This restoration enables individuals to filter out background noise and focus on relevant information.
A University of Iowa study found that patients with schizophrenia who had frequent social interaction lived on average 25 percent longer than those with little or no interaction. The researchers also discovered that married patients lived somewhat longer than unmarried patients.
Researchers suggest a digestive problem may lead to autism and schizophrenia symptoms, as undigested milk protein produces morphine-like compounds affecting brain function. Animal studies show 95% of autistic and schizophrenic children had high levels of the protein in their blood and urine.
Researchers found that rats born by Caesarean section showed marked differences in brain development compared to naturally born controls. They had altered dopamine systems and responses to stress tests. The findings hint at a potential link between Caesarean births and schizophrenia risk.
A 15-year study in over 100 families and 1,000 subjects provides the first reliable evidence of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. The study identified a stretch of DNA on chromosome 13 associated with schizophrenia susceptibility.
Research found an association between childhood-onset schizophrenia and large CAG/CTG repeats in male patients. The study confirms previous findings on adult-onset schizophrenia but notes a gender-specific link. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Researchers found that a specific component of neural circuitry in the prefrontal cortex is altered in most people with schizophrenia, leading to disturbances in complex thinking processes. The study suggests that this alteration may be a specific brain disturbance in the disease process of schizophrenia.
A study found that people potentially at high risk for schizophrenia exhibit executive functioning problems before psychosis onset, which could serve as an early warning sign. This discovery may allow mental health professionals to test for and intervene in executive functioning issues.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a gene associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness. The gene encodes a potassium ion channel protein that controls electrical activity in nerves, and its altered function may contribute to brain behavior changes.
A longitudinal brain imaging study found progressive abnormal brain development in schizophrenia, particularly enlarged ventricles and reduced total cerebral volume. This may provide insights into the risk factors and neurodevelopmental abnormalities involved in the disorder.
Scientists at Yale University School of Medicine have discovered a link between the drug phencyclidine (PCP) and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The study found that PCP induces similar cognitive dysfunction as that found in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, but also suggests potential for reversal using clozapine.