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Schizophrenia

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·June 8, 2019·6 min read

Women who are experiencing domestic abuse are nearly three times as likely to develop mental illness

Women who experience interpersonal violence from their partners are three times as likely to develop a mental health problem, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Not only did researchers find a higher chance of developing a mental illness following domestic abuse, but also discovered those with a mental health problem were more likely to experience abuse in future relationships.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2019·4 min read

Individuals who attempt suicide carry an increased genetic liability for depression, regardless of their psychiatric disorder

A genetic liability for major depression increases suicide risk across other psychiatric disorders.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 5, 2019·2 min read

Tobacco increases risk of schizophrenia and psychosis

Meta-analysis finds a two-fold increased risk of developing schizophrenia and psychosis amongst those who smoke tobacco. Researchers speculate nicotine is most likely responsible for the link. They suggest future research looks at the link between e-cigarettes and a possible increased risk of psychosis in young adults, the largest consumer group for the products.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 4, 2019·3 min read

How chronic inflammation may drive down dopamine and motivation

Computational model sheds light on the impact chronic, low-grade inflammation has on the mesolimbic dopamine system and motivational impairments.

The prefrontal cortex in the brain is highlighted here

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 26, 2019·5 min read

Growing up high: Neurobiological consequences of adolescent cannabis use

Researchers evaluate the psychological and neurobiological impact of teen cannabis use. The findings, to be presented at the 13th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting, will cover how cannabis contributes to cognitive impairments, psychosis and deficits in decision making in adolescents.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 23, 2019·4 min read

Exercise is the new primary prescription for those with mental health problems

Adding exercise as a treatment for patients in psychiatric care facilities has positive benefits and is proving to be more effective than medications or psychotherapy alone. Exercise helps reduce mental health disorder symptoms such as anxiety, depression, anger and psychomotor agitation. Researchers say exercise also helps to develop a more balanced and integrated sense of self for those with mental health disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2019·3 min read

Patients with both schizophrenia and epilepsy die alarmingly early

One in four people who have both schizophrenia and epilepsy die between the ages of 25-50.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·May 16, 2019·5 min read

Is the brain parasite Toxoplasma manipulating your behavior, or is your immune system to blame?

Immune system response to chronic infection may be more directly to blame for health and behavioral changes associated with Toxoplasma gondii infections.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 13, 2019·4 min read

Researchers seek ‘fingerprints’ of severe mental diseases

Neuroimaging study finds significant changes in the brain associated with mental illnesses that could serve as a biomarker for diagnosis.

this is a woman holding her head while other hands are covering her face

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 3, 2019·5 min read

Hotspot in the genome may drive psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

A cluster of epigenetic marks in an enhancer at IGF2 could enhance dopamine synthesis associated with psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings may help in devising more effective treatments and screening strategies for both disorders.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 2, 2019·3 min read

Viral infections during pregnancy linked to behavioral abnormalities in offspring: Rat study

Females offspring whose mothers experienced maternal immune activation while pregnant displayed an array of behavioral abnormalities associated with schizophrenia.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2019·3 min read

20 novel genes associated with bipolar disorder identified

A study of more than 50,000 patients with bipolar disorder in 14 countries helped researchers identify 20 new genetic risk factors for bipolar disorder. Eight of the genes also had an association with an increased risk for schizophrenia. ASD and anorexia, it was discovered, also had genetic ties to bipolar depression.