Study reveals an abundance of the CRMP2 protein in people with schizophrenia. The findings could lead to a blood-based biomarker test for the mental health disorder.
A new model of schizophrenia opens the door to a better understanding of, and therapeutic options for brain dysfunction that is at the root of psychosis.
A new theory proposes an imbalance of blood proteins involved in the immune system and in blood clotting networks leads to inflammation that contributes to the development of psychosis.
Prescribing SSRIs during late childhood to those with genetic risk factors for psychosis can reduce the deterioration of intellectual abilities, a new study reveals. SSRIs appear to have a neuroprotective effect for certain brain areas associated with the onset of psychosis if provided early.
Adolescents with higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood had a decreased risk of developing psychosis as they entered into early adulthood. At the age of 24, those with psychosis had lower levels of DHA than those without the disorder.
Brain scans revealed, compared to women with low risk for postpartum psychosis, new mothers in high-risk groups had altered brain connectivity in networks associated with goal-orientated behaviors.
A link has been identified between psychosis and a genetic change that alters the immune system in the brain. Researchers found people with psychosis associated with bipolar disorder had decreased expression of GRK3. This led to an increased amount of kynurenic acid in the brain.
Adolescents with a higher risk for developing psychosis have subtle differences in brain structure, including lower cortical thickness than their peers without risk factors. In those who developed psychosis, the cortical thinning was most pronounced in several areas of the temporal and frontal regions of the brain.
While cannabis users reported more psychotic experiences than non-users generally, the effect was more pronounced in those with a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia.
Mouse study reveals elevated dopamine levels preceded hallucination-like events, and artificially boosting dopamine levels induced more hallucination-like events. The behavioral effects could be blocked by administering haloperidol, an antipsychotic which blocks dopamine. The study sheds light on potential new treatments for psychotic disorders marked by hallucinations.
Study reveals adolescents with a high risk of developing psychosis and who were night owls reported experiencing an increase in psychotic symptoms.
People who experienced language and communication difficulties as a result of psychosis showed weaker connectivity in the superior temporal area, an area of the brain associated with language processing. Those with greater language problems had greater connectivity in other areas of the brain, suggesting the brain may utilize other areas to compensate for language in patients with psychosis.
