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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Levels of BDNF, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol May Predict Suicidal Ideation in First-Episode Schizophrenia (2024 Study)

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The study found that higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and better cognitive function reduce suicidal thoughts in first-episode schizophrenia patients, while more severe symptoms and higher total cholesterol levels increase the risk. Highlights: Suicidal Ideation Rate: 26.02% of first-episode schizophrenia patients had suicidal thoughts. Risk Factors: Higher total cholesterol (TC) levels and more …

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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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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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Amphetamine Sensitization Alters Brain’s Reward Circuits in Humans (Study)

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Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amphetamine or placebo, spaced 2 days apart. Those getting amphetamine showed enhanced subjective …

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Male vs. Female Brains: Sex Differences in Structure, Function, Psychiatric Disorders

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While male and female brains are far more alike than different, research over the past few decades has revealed some subtle but meaningful variations. These differences likely stem from a complex interplay of biological factors, experiences, societal influences, and more. Key Facts: On average, male brains are about 10% larger than female brains. But when …

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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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Antipsychotics & High Prolactin Levels: Which Drugs Cause Hyperprolactinemia Most Often?

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Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, these drugs often cause side effects like elevated prolactin levels, which can negatively impact long-term health. A new study analyzed medical records to compare prolactin levels between patients taking different antipsychotics. It found risperidone and amisulpride caused the greatest prolactin …

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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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