Schizophrenia

Sleep Patterns vs. Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, Schizophrenia, ADHD (2024 Study)

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Insomnia and daytime napping are causally associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), while sleep duration influences the risk of schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Insomnia and napping during the day significantly increase the risk of MDD. Schizophrenia: Longer sleep duration is associated with a higher risk …

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Novel Risk Genes for Schizophrenia Discovered in High Altitude Tibetans via Whole-Exome Sequencing (2024 Study)

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A study on Tibetans living at high altitudes identified novel risk genes for schizophrenia (SCZ) related to hypoxia, suggesting a unique genetic signature for SCZ in this population. Highlights: Whole-exome sequencing of 47 SCZ cases and 53 controls in Tibetans revealed 275 potential novel risk variants and two known variants. One gene, C5orf42, surpassed exome-wide …

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Epigenetic Biosignature of First-Episode Schizophrenia Identified via Machine Learning (2024)

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A new study uses AutoML and blood DNA methylation data to identify novel gene biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia (SCZ) with high accuracy. Highlights: Biomarker Discovery: AutoML identified three schizophrenia-specific gene methylation biomarkers: IGF2BP1, CENPI, and PSME4. Methylation Analysis: IGF2BP1 showed higher methylation and PSME4 showed lower methylation in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls, while …

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BPC-157 Peptide May Treat CNS Disorders: Stroke, Schizophrenia, Spinal Cord Injury

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The naturally occurring peptide BPC 157 shows potential to treat stroke, schizophrenia symptoms, and spinal cord injury in animal models. Key facts: BPC 157 rapidly counteracted stroke damage and led to full recovery of memory, coordination and movement in rats. The peptide alleviated schizophrenia-like symptoms and catalepsy in rodent models by modulating dopamine, glutamate and …

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Parental Inbreeding (Consanguinity) Increases Risk of Schizophrenia (South India Study)

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A new study conducted in rural South India has found that people whose parents are blood relatives (consanguineous marriage) have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia compared to the general population. Key Facts: Researchers recruited 120 patients with schizophrenia and 222 healthy controls from the same rural region in South India. 10.7% of patients with …

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Antipsychotics & Gray Matter Loss in Chronic Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior. While antipsychotic medications can help manage symptoms, their long-term effects on brain structure are not fully understood. A new study provides important insights into how long-term antipsychotic treatment may impact gray matter in chronic schizophrenia. Key Facts: Both treated and untreated …

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TACS for Schizophrenia: Early Promise of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation

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Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, and impaired cognitive functioning. Current treatments with antipsychotic medications are helpful but have significant limitations, especially for cognitive deficits and negative symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation. This has driven …

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Schizophrenia Linked to Deficits in Brain Regions for Social Interaction

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A new brain imaging study reveals deficits in key networks involved in social functioning among individuals with schizophrenia. The findings shed light on the underlying neural mechanisms that may contribute to impaired social skills in this psychiatric disorder. Key Takeaways: Compared to healthy controls, schizophrenia patients showed altered activity in brain regions involved in processing …

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Grin2a Gene Mutations in Mice Offer New Insights into Schizophrenia Causes and Treatment

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Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how people think, feel, and behave. It involves problems with hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, lack of motivation, and impaired functioning. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population and typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood. The causes are still poorly understood. In a new study, researchers found …

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