Articles tagged with Schizophrenia
A CAMH study reveals that people with schizophrenia have a disrupted stress response, differing from those at high risk for psychosis or healthy individuals. This discovery may provide clues into preventing schizophrenia.
Researchers found that increased in utero folic acid exposure was associated with changes in later brain development, predicting a reduced risk for symptoms of psychosis. These findings suggest that prenatal folic acid fortification may be an important intervention in preventing severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
A new study shows that people with schizophrenia are over-represented among those who die by suicide, particularly young people. Researchers emphasize the importance of assessing suicide risk in younger patients with schizophrenia, especially early in their illness.
Researchers have identified novel genes associated with childhood-onset schizophrenia, a rare form of the disorder. The discovery is expected to aid in diagnosis and the development of treatments for this severe condition.
A study on a Quebec family with an unusual gene has provided novel insight into how the human brain is built. The research found altered connectivity between dopamine-producing cells and their target sites in the brain, which may link to lower impulsivity traits and reduced likelihood of smoking.
A USC research team discovered 150 proteins affecting brain development and cell activity that contribute to mental disorders. The study used stem cells to determine chemical reactions influencing nerve growth and cell functions in people.
Researchers developed a portable eye function test to diagnose schizophrenia faster and more accurately. The study found that the device detected reduced electrical activity in the retina of participants with schizophrenia.
Researchers found that genes associated with schizophrenia alter early brain development indirectly by influencing placenta health, leading to a fivefold increased risk of developing the disorder. The study also discovered a sex bias in schizophrenia incidence, with males more likely to be affected due to the placenta's role.
A new smartphone app has been shown to be equally effective in treating people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression as traditional clinical interventions. The app, called Focus, had a significantly better rate of treatment engagement and was more convenient for patients.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified the cell types underlying schizophrenia, providing a roadmap for developing new therapies. The findings suggest that certain cell types contribute to the disorder and may require separate treatments.
Research at Oregon State University found that schizophrenia patients' blood contains genetic material from a wider range of bacteria and archaea compared to healthy controls. The study suggests that the human microbiome plays a significant role in health and disease.
Salk scientists develop a new way to study brain cell connections, revealing how communication is altered in people with schizophrenia. By creating multiple types of neurons from stem cells and observing their interactions, the team showed that CA3 pyramidal neurons form physical connections both to other CA3 neurons and to DG neurons.
A new animal model study found that brief maternal deprivation in early life alters adult brain function and cognition, leading to memory impairment and decreased communication between brain regions. The findings suggest a potential link between early-life trauma and the development of schizophrenia.
A study of nearly half a million participants found that muscular strength is associated with improved brain functioning across various tests, including reaction speed and memory. The research also suggests that weight training could be beneficial for people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia who experienced childhood trauma had improved health outcomes when they possessed high levels of psychological resilience. The research team evaluated data from 114 participants with schizophrenia and 101 non-psychiatric comparison subjects.
Researchers have detailed for the first time how interneurons emerge and diversify in the brain, tracing their lineage from earliest precursor states to mature forms in mice. The study identified key genetic programs that determine the fate of developing interneurons, shedding light on their functions and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers have established a link between childhood trauma and severe hallucinations in schizophrenia, offering new treatment hope. The study found that childhood trauma was associated with hallucinations and delusions, and may help empower young patients to make informed decisions about their mental health.
Researchers have discovered 50 new gene regions increasing schizophrenia risk, including genes previously associated with intellectual disability and autism. These findings shed light on the disorder's complex genetics, suggesting subtle genetic variants can contribute to its development.
Researchers found that neural cells from schizophrenic patients produce less pro-angiogenic molecules and more anti-angiogenic proteins, impairing blood vessel formation. The study provides new insights into the causes of schizophrenia and potential therapeutic solutions.
A study published in PNAS found that a protein called neuregulin 3 suppresses the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter essential for learning, in people with schizophrenia. The researchers used genetic and biochemical techniques to investigate how neuregulin 3 controls neurotransmitters in the brain.
A randomized, double-blind trial showed that adding sodium benzoate to clozapine improved negative symptoms and overall symptoms in patients with refractory schizophrenia. The treatment had no side effects and may provide hope for treating the most difficult-to-treat patients.
A new study suggests that disruptions in certain regions of the visuospatial working memory network may lead to its impairment in schizophrenia. The precise balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is altered, leading to impaired visuospatial working memory.
Researchers aim to identify brain mechanisms related to psychosis by studying corollary discharge signals in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They will use an fMRI scanner to investigate the oculomotor system, which is thought to support a subjective sense of agency in these patients.
A Baylor University study found that combining biological and non-biological beliefs about mental illness causes can lead to increased stigma. The researchers suggest that addressing these complex views in public campaigns and policy initiatives could help reduce stigma, particularly for conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
Dr. Amelia Gallitano, a UA College of Medicine - Phoenix faculty member, has received a $175,000 grant to develop the first diagnostic test for schizophrenia. The test aims to determine whether an individual has schizophrenia or a specific subtype by leveraging genes activated in response to environmental events.
Vanderbilt University and Lundbeck are collaborating on a novel approach to treating schizophrenia. The Vanderbilt compounds, developed with support from the National Institute of Mental Health, have shown antipsychotic-like effects and improved cognitive performance in animal models.
Researchers identified rare genetic variations in Thorase protein associated with schizophrenia, reversed anti-social behavior in mice using perampanel. The study provides preliminary support for Thorase's role in behavioral disorders.
A new therapy called Social Recovery Therapy has shown promising results in helping young people with schizophrenia to reconnect and engage with the world around them. The therapy involves identifying personally meaningful goals and setting up day-to-day achievable activities, significantly increasing social interaction.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that individuals with schizophrenia's own perceptions of their experiences can influence treatment outcomes. Cognitive insight, measured by the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, is a significant predictor of neurocognition and not vice versa.
A study published on Scientific Reports reveals that hand preference is already defined at the 18th week of gestation. Foetal kinematics analysis predicts manual dominance with an accuracy of 89-100% in boys and girls, which may lead to early recognition of pathologies like depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.
Research from Australia's NICM Health Research Institute finds large nutritional deficits in blood levels of critical nutrients among individuals with early psychosis. Vitamin B9 (folate) and D were found to be particularly low, associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
A randomised controlled trial found that avatar therapy was more effective at reducing hallucinations at 12-week follow-up, and had a large effect size. Patients who received avatar therapy experienced rapid improvements in their symptoms, with some reports of complete disappearance after 12 weeks.
New research from Duke University reveals that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the development and function of synapses in the brain. The study found that three proteins control the web-like structure of each astrocyte, which directly impacts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neural connections.
Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awarded nine outstanding scientists for their work in schizophrenia, mood disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. John M. Davis and Deanna L. Kelly were recognized for their innovative research on schizophrenia treatment and prevention.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder received similar or higher rates of preventive health screenings compared to those without mental illnesses. The study examined over 800,000 patients in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system and foun...
A large international study found that schizophrenia affects the entire brain's communication system, with frayed white matter wiring evident throughout. The study's findings could lead to the identification of biomarkers for treatment and a better understanding of the disease's causes.
Researchers found that abnormalities in the brain's blood-brain barrier may play a critical role in schizophrenia development. This discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies targeting abnormal brain blood vessels, complementing existing treatments.
A large twin study suggests that genetic factors contribute to nearly 80% of schizophrenia risk. Researchers used a new statistical approach to estimate heritability and found a similar result when considering related disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum.
A genetic variant associated with multiple psychiatric disorders is linked to changes in a brain network that may increase an individual's risk of developing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The variant affects the expression of the SNAP25 protein, impacting information processing between brain regions involved in regulating emotions.
A study by University of Maryland School Medicine researchers found that elevated kynurenine levels disrupt sleep, leading to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting kynurenine's role in the disease.
A recent study identified a gene associated with schizophrenia risk that plays a critical role in early brain development. The gene, ZNF804A, regulates essential processes such as protein translation and neuronal migration. Understanding its function could lead to more effective treatments for the disorder.
A large Ontario study found people with schizophrenia died 8 years earlier than the general population, with a 35% decrease in death rates. The high mortality risk is attributed to factors such as limited access to healthcare and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
A new Ontario study found that people with schizophrenia are dying younger due to poorer physical health care over their lifespan. The study showed that individuals with schizophrenia had higher rates of death from cardiovascular diseases and chronic medical conditions.
A recent study found a 37% increase in the gap between the average lifespan of people with schizophrenia and the general population. Longitudinal studies suggest that this widening trend is due to factors such as inadequate healthcare, unhealthy lifestyles, and biological aging.
Researchers have developed a 20-minute test to assess cognitive capacities of patients with schizophrenia, including short-term memory and organisational skills. The test, known as EPICOG-SCH, allows for improved daily functioning and can be easily administered by healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered a rare genetic variant, RTN4R, that may play a fundamental role in schizophrenia. This finding supports the hypothesis that myelin-related genes are associated with the disease.
A new paper defines 50 term pairs in psychology, including envy/jealousy and disease/illness, to improve psychological literacy. The list helps distinguish between related concepts, such as punishment vs. negative reinforcement, antisocial vs. asocial behavior.
Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that prenatal lack of DHA and AA fatty acids can lead to offspring developing schizophrenic-like symptoms as adults. The study found epigenetic changes in gene expression, affecting nuclear receptor genes and oligodendrocyte-related genes, which may be traced back to DNA methylation.
A long-term study on schizophrenia patients found that low cumulative exposure to benzodiazepine and antidepressant medications has no significant effect on cognition. However, high-dose use of antipsychotic drugs was associated with poorer cognitive functioning, while a break in treatment was linked to better outcomes.
A study associates schizophrenia with defective processing of messenger RNA in cells, suggesting a link between the spliceosome complex and brain dysfunctions. The researchers found altered proteins in two brain regions, including those involved in calcium-mediated signaling and myelination.
Researchers have identified a specific brain area involved in 'hearing voices' in schizophrenia and found that targeting it with high-frequency magnetic pulses can improve symptoms. In a controlled trial, 34.6% of patients showed significant response to treatment, while only 9.1% of controls did.
A new study in mice has found that disruptions to the brain's center for spatial navigation, known as internal GPS, result in severe memory deficits seen in schizophrenia. This discovery offers promising avenues for drug intervention and treatment, targeting a near-universal symptom of the disorder.
Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.
The Blink Reflexometer device detects changes in blinking patterns to identify concussions and neurological disorders like Parkinson's, Huntington's, and schizophrenia. The technology aims to provide a portable, rugged, and fast aid for trainers to make objective calls about player safety.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding that an amino acid called methionine may play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia. Excess methionine during pregnancy has been shown to alter fetal brain development, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially life-long consequences.
A study by the University of Manchester found that a pharmacy service, launched in 2011, improves patient medicine adherence and translates to increased health gain at reduced overall cost. The New Medicine Service has saved NHS England £517.6m in its first five years.
A study by EPFL scientists found that schizophrenia patients do not have a disturbed sense of body ownership. The study used the Full-Body Illusion test and showed that patients performed similarly to healthy controls, indicating that their sense of body ownership is unaffected by the disorder.
Researchers at King's College London found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved cognitive performance, particularly in working memory and executive functioning, in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests that tDCS may be a promising new treatment for the condition's cognitive deficits.
New study finds that human brain cells from individuals with childhood-onset schizophrenia disrupt communication in mice, exhibiting anti-social and anxious behaviors. The researchers suggest that glial cell dysfunction is a primary contributor to the disease.