Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
A study found that excitatory-inhibitory imbalance, characterized by higher glutamate levels and lower GABA levels, precedes psychosis in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This imbalance is associated with hippocampal atrophy and cognitive decline.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
A recent NIH study reveals that young men with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study analyzed health records data from over 6 million people in Denmark and found that as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting cannabis use disorder.
The latest May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on new treatments for conditions like trichotillomania, social anxiety disorder, and opioid use disorder. Additionally, a special issue of Focus journal explores suicide preventive interventions and knowledge.
A new study by York University researchers reveals that one in three family members of those with serious mental illness experience stigma, feeling blame, failure, and loneliness. The study highlights the need to reach out to this marginalized group, who have been overlooked in previous research.
Researchers have discovered DNA methylation markers in newborn blood that may indicate a higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, used statistical analysis and compared results to adult brain samples to validate findings.
A new meta-analysis found that clozapine is associated with decreased insomnia and a lower risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that clozapine's ability to improve sleep quality may be linked to its reduced suicide risk, and highlights the importance of assessing and treating insomnia in these patients.
Research found that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder have erratic sleep patterns and rigid daily routines, predictive of worse symptoms. The study suggests varying daily routines and incorporating movement can improve brain health and reduce negative mental health symptoms.
A study published in Frontiers in Surgery finds that patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have lower postsurgical mortality than those with Parkinson's disease, suggesting DBS as an ethical option for treatment-refractory cases. Comprehensive consideration of factors is done on a case-by-case basis for successful DBS.
A Virginia Tech researcher has identified a key factor in DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development. The study finds that mitochondrial deficits can be targeted with dietary supplements or more precisely-targeted drugs to support final connections during brain development.
A new study finds that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), lithium, and clozapine may reduce suicide rates in adolescent men with severe mental illness. The study suggests that early intervention with medico-psychiatric treatment can lower suicide rates among late-teenage boys.
Researchers have identified two novel genes, SRRM2 and AKAP11, linked to schizophrenia. The study suggests that rare damaging variants in these genes confer a similar magnitude of schizophrenia risk across diverse human populations. This finding has implications for the development of new treatments for the disease.
Scientists have identified a key molecular mechanism linking gene expression to synaptic plasticity in the aging human brain. The study reveals that age-related reductions in neurotransmitter receptor genes contribute to alterations in synaptic function, providing potential targets for Alzheimer's disease therapy.
A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.
Researchers identify duplicated gene as cause of social deficits and seizures in autism type, finding that reducing PRRT2 levels can restore normal brain activity and behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders with brain over-activation.
Researchers found adult smokers with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia drink the most caffeine, while those with mental illness are at highest risk of negative health consequences. The study suggests mood, metabolism, and self-medication may explain use patterns among this population.
Researchers found that fasudil reversed reduced pyramidal neuron density and cognitive dysfunction associated with methamphetamine treatment in mice with ARHGAP10 gene mutations. Fasudil also restored the density of pyramidal neurons, improving visual discrimination tests performance.
Researchers found abnormal 12-hour gene activity cycles in postmortem brains of patients with schizophrenia. The study identified altered timings of neural connections and mitochondrial function, suggesting potential underlying causes for behavioral abnormalities.
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act led to a significant reduction in uninsured adults under 65 with schizophrenia, from 8.4% to 4%. Medicaid coverage increased by 70%, while Medicare and private insurance coverage also rose.
Researchers found a link between astrocytes from schizophrenic patients and reduced vascularization in the brain, which may contribute to the disease's metabolic flux. The study suggests that astrocytes could be a target for novel therapies to address schizophrenia.
Researchers found that schizophrenia patients' brains have highly modular semantic networks with distinct categories and disorganized structure, leading to impaired thought processes. This study provides new insights into the 'loosening of associations' in schizophrenia.
A study from Japan found that variations in psychiatric diagnoses across different cultures can affect the efficacy of antipsychotics in clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 28 double-blind randomized trials and found that psychotic features were associated with varying therapeutic responses to antipsychotic medications.
A new study maps consciousness to brain geometry, revealing three cortical gradients that align with dimensions of consciousness. The findings have potential for developing brain-based diagnoses or assessments for neurologic patients.
Researchers from Harvard University developed an efficient method to make large numbers of C4-secreting human astrocytes from stem cells. A small group of about 20 drugs were identified that reduced C4 secretion, effective in both healthy and Schizophrenia patients' astrocytes.
A Geisinger study of over 90,000 patients confirmed a strong link between genetics and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research revealed that approximately one in 100 participants carried a rare gene variant increasing the risk for conditions like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
A new study from Aarhus University found that people diagnosed with mental disorders work 10.5 years less than the general population. The researchers analyzed data from over 5 million individuals in Denmark and found that all types of mental disorders are associated with a substantial loss of working life.
Researchers discovered that synchronized neural oscillations in the right hemisphere of the brain induce empathic behavior in mice, allowing them to perceive and share each other's fear. The study identified the causal relationship between 5-7 Hz oscillations in the cingulo-amygdala circuit and empathic responses.
Researchers found a strong association between rare tandem repeats in genes crucial for brain function and the development of schizophrenia. The study used whole-genome sequencing and machine learning techniques to analyze the genomes of 2,100 individuals, including those with and without schizophrenia.
Researchers found age-related changes in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. This study provides first-ever evidence of plasticity in the frontal cortex during this critical developmental period.
Researchers found elevated C4A levels in first-episode psychosis patients who later developed schizophrenia, correlating with increased IL-1beta and synapse density. This suggests a link between inflammation and genetic risk variants in schizophrenia.
The study provides detailed pictures of NMDA receptors, which mediate essential signals between neurons. The findings have significant implications for treating schizophrenia, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Researchers at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development have found that neuronal cells are unable to precisely control levels of dopamine, leading to a genetic mechanism that controls dopamine flow. This study confirms that dopamine is a causative factor in schizophrenia, shedding light on a long-held hypothesis.
A Columbia University study found that most mass murderers in academic settings lacked severe mental illness, with firearms being the primary method used. The researchers suggest that cultural and social factors, such as gun violence romanticization, are key drivers of these events.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. People with psychotic disorders are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than those without a psychotic disorder, according to the review.
A Brazilian study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 targets astrocytes in the brain, reducing neuron viability and causing damage. Infection was confirmed using MRI scans of mild COVID-19 patients and experiments on human nerve cells.
A team of researchers identified a protein kinase substrate downstream of the dopamine signaling pathway regulating brain reward behavior. The study found that phosphorylation of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) decreases its channel activity, increasing neuronal excitability and promoting reward behavior.
Research reveals that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) contribute to the pruning process, helping shape a healthy brain during early development. OPCs actively engulf synapses, eliminating connections that are no longer needed, and play an intermediary role between external experiences and brain activity.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that adults with more chronic health conditions are at higher risk of serious financial problems, including late payments, poor credit scores, and bankruptcy. The study analyzed nearly 3 million privately insured adults and found that those with seven or more chronic conditions had three to four...
A new study reveals that the emergence of a new gene called PGBD1 is linked to the evolution of a new structure in nerve cells. PGBD1 controls paraspeckles, tiny structures that act like traps for RNAs and proteins, and its regulation is crucial for nerve cell development.
A study of 137 children with early-onset psychosis found that over 70% had copy number variants, a common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that chromosomal microarray testing can bring closure to families and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
Researchers found that 41% of schizophrenia patients met the criteria for frontotemporal dementia, a condition characterized by personality changes and behavioral alterations. The study suggests that targeting specific brain regions and neural structures may lead to improved treatment outcomes for this subgroup.
Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...
A new study has identified neurogliaform cells as key regulators of information flow between brain areas. These cells help separate current perception from past experiences, enabling smooth communication between brain regions.
Researchers found that hearing one's own voice is critical for sense of agency over speech, helping to understand auditory hallucinations and improve VR experiences. The study's findings suggest a close connection between recognizing one's own voice and feeling in control.
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
A new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers found that adolescents are three times more likely to develop a cannabis addiction than adults. However, they do not appear to be at increased risk of subclinical depression or anxiety. In contrast, adult users who become addicted may experience worsening mental health symptoms.
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have elucidated the structure of a small protein carrying GABA into neurons using cryogenic electron microscopy. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectru...
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine has identified an autoantibody that may cause schizophrenia in some individuals. The researchers found that this autoantibody caused schizophrenia-like behaviors and changes in the brain when injected into mice, highlighting a potential new direction for diagnosis and treatment.
A study led by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a common mechanism underlying genetic mutations associated with autism, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. The discovery points to an experimental drug developed by the team as a potential treatment for these conditions.
A Columbia University study found that altered thalamic activity in adolescence can lead to long-lasting cortical abnormalities, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. Boosting thalamic function during adolescence could potentially treat these symptoms.
Researchers found a genetic link between long repeated DNA sequences and schizophrenia. The study discovered rare tandem repeat expansions near genes associated with the disorder, contributing to dysfunction at synapses and disrupting gene function.
A new study identifies 152 genetic variants shared across multiple psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This finding could lead to the development of therapies addressing multiple disorders with one treatment.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong discovered a new neural mechanism that enables animals to perceive and integrate environmental cues, such as air puffs and sounds, to initiate defensive behavior. This finding has implications for understanding schizophrenia patients' auditory hallucinations.
Research suggests dopamine is involved in emotion recognition, particularly in low-dose individuals. Dopamine levels influence emotional perception, with lower levels improving emotional recognition while higher levels impairing it. This finding has implications for understanding social cognition impairments in neurological disorders.
A large-scale study identified 287 genomic regions associated with schizophrenia, pinpointing 120 genes that contribute to the disorder. The research suggests abnormal neuron function in these cells may explain the diverse symptoms of schizophrenia.
Research using Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study data found that urban environments with socioeconomic challenges increase psychotic-like experiences in pre-adolescent children. Early prevention is crucial as these exposures are already present in late childhood.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.
Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.