Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved event-based prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia, but not time-based prospective memory. The study suggests rTMS as a potential therapeutic option for prospective memory impairments in individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers successfully produced alstonine, a naturally occurring substance with potential for treating mental disorders, using genetically engineered yeast cells. The yeast platform has the potential to discover and develop plant-based medicines, including those for schizophrenia.
The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...
A study in mice finds that two proteins, MAP6 and Kv3.1, interact to control movement, memory, and anxiety. Disrupting this interaction can lead to behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and impaired memory, highlighting potential new targets for schizophrenia treatment.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.
Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.
Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.
Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...
A new study found that individuals visiting the emergency department for substance-induced psychosis have an 18.5% risk of developing schizophrenia within three years. Younger age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, particularly for cannabis use.
Research identifies genetic overlap between schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, particularly smoking initiation and BMI. The study found that people with schizophrenia have a genetic propensity to smoking and a reduced genetic risk of obesity.
Researchers have identified 439 genetic variants that regulate gene expression and may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. This discovery could pave the way for more precise interventions and therapies by providing insights into the complex genetic architecture underlying the condition.
Neurological soft signs (NSS) can distinguish people with schizophrenia from healthy individuals. Smartphone sensing technology offers a standardized assessment method, reducing subjective rating systems' barriers.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
Researchers have found that a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, 3q29 deletion syndrome, impairs mitochondrial function in brain cells. This impairment contributes to the development of schizophrenia and has implications for understanding the neurobiology of the disease.
Researchers have discovered a possible link between mitochondrial function and schizophrenia, highlighting impaired energy production as a key factor in its development. Mitochondrial dysregulation can cause psychiatric symptoms and disorders, and its effects are seen not only in the brain but also in other cells, such as kidney cells.
A new study has identified thousands of shared genetic variants between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. This discovery provides a new understanding of the brain-gut axis and holds promise for developing effective treatments for IBS.
Researchers have identified age-related changes in brain patterns associated with schizophrenia risk using a new hybrid, data-driven method. The study found alterations in prefrontal-sensorimotor and cerebellar-occipitoparietal brain connections linked to genetic risk for schizophrenia.
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health reveals that amotivation and anhedonia are key factors in determining social functioning among individuals with psychiatric disorders. The research found that these negative symptoms have a stronger impact on social functioning than expressive dysfunction, especially in patients with sch...
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to replace diseased and aged brain cells with new ones, which could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. The study used humanized mice models to test the effectiveness of glial cell transplantation.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that antipsychotic drugs interact with a different neuron type than scientists originally believed, which could lead to better treatments for schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest that the effect of antipsychotics on dopamine receptors has little bearing on their efficacy in humans.
A University of Ottawa study reveals that a diverse brain's ecosystem is key to maintaining normal function while responding to changes. This concept is inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that biodiversity is crucial for survival, suggesting cell-to-cell diversity helps prevent failures in brain circuits.
Researchers found a correlation between somatic copy-number variants and schizophrenia, with genes NRXN1 and ABCB11 being identified as key players. These mutations occur early in development but after genetic material is inherited, and are present only in a fraction of cells.
Researchers have discovered that inhibitory neurons can transmit information over long distances in the prefrontal cortex, allowing for adaptive changes in behavior. This synchronization of gamma oscillations is associated with the realization of new rules and enables cognitive flexibility.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented new findings on the impact of customized lighting on inpatient sleep, a machine-learned combination of ventilatory, hypoxic, and arousal burdens, and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia on cognitive impairment. The studies aim to improve sleep timing and duration, dia...
The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services focus on substance use disorders, opioids, and youth self-harm and suicide. The articles highlight the importance of addressing these issues to improve patient outcomes and reduce stigma.
A study published in Brain Behavior and Immunity found autoantibodies against a synaptic adhesion protein, neurexin 1α, in patients with schizophrenia. In mice, these autoantibodies caused schizophrenia-related changes, including reduced social behavior and cognitive function.
Researchers discovered vitamin D's role in regulating dopaminergic neuron differentiation and function. The study found that vitamin D alters developing neurons in the brain's dopamine circuit.
A new study found that over 100 genes linked to schizophrenia risk are associated with the placenta, not just the brain. This could lead to new prevention strategies targeting placenta biology, allowing for early interventions and potentially changing the course of developmental disorders.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.