http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/schizophrenia/ Read current medical research on schizophrenia symptoms, medication and more. Browse feature health articles on schizophrenia treatments including anti-psychotic drugs. en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/schizophrenia/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110303.htm Both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can be disabling conditions, and both present clinically with significant mood and psychotic symptoms. These two illnesses also share genetic variants that might be involved in the predisposition to both disorders. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110258.htm Psychiatry has begun the laborious effort of preparing the DSM-V, the new iteration of its diagnostic manual. In so doing, it once again wrestles with the task set by Carl Linnaeus, to "cleave nature at its joints." However, these "joints," the boundaries between psychiatric disorders, such as that between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are far from clear. We now know that symptoms of bipolar disorder may be seen in patients with schizophrenia and the reverse is true, as well. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717110258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714171155.htm The causes of schizophrenia are not yet clear. But now, researchers have discovered that a disturbed cleavage of the Nrg-1 protein lies at the basis of the development of the disease. Greater understanding of this molecular process is a first step toward improved diagnosis and more effective treatment of schizophrenia and other related disorders. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714171155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708155559.htm A protein found in immune cells may be a reliable marker for schizophrenia risk, report researchers in a new proteomics study. Schizophrenia is a severe and complex psychiatric illness that affects about 1% of the population. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708155559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708173226.htm The chemical dopamine induces both desire and dread, according to new animal research in the Journal of Neuroscience. Although dopamine is well known to motivate animals and people to seek positive rewards, the study indicates that it also can promote negative feelings like fear. The finding may help explain why dopamine dysfunction is implicated not only in drug addiction, which involves excessive desire, but in schizophrenia and some phobias, which involve excessive fear. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708173226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161411.htm Researchers report that alterations in a molecular brain pathway activated by marijuana, called cannabinoid 1 receptor, may contribute to the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, suggesting possible new drug targets that could help to improve functioning and memory in people with the mental illness. Expression of CB1R, the site of action of the main chemical ingredient of marijuana, is significantly reduced in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707161411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701083527.htm Some schizophrenia patients become less prone to violence when taking medication, but those with a history of childhood conduct problems continue to pose a higher risk even with treatment, according to a new study. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701083527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617204519.htm A new study offers a potential predictive technique to anticipate how individuals might behave during a psychotic episode. The study related the brain activity of healthy participants to how they behaved after exposure to ketamine (a psychosis-inducing drug that mimics schizophrenia symptoms). The findings help explain why schizophrenia symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may ultimately help personalize diagnosis and intervention. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617204519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604160118.htm It is important to identify the endophenotypes -- traits associated with a clinical disorder -- that can serve as a roadmap for detecting disease-related genes. That is why researchers are studying families to detect relatives who are carriers of the genes for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, even though these individuals don't have the diseases themselves. Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604160118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604155820.htm Do genes explain why some people with schizophrenia are helped when they take supplements of the common B vitamin, folate? The answer is yes and no; new research is examining the reasons why. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604155820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080530132220.htm People with schizophrenia from families with no history of the illness were found to harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations -- most in pathways affecting brain development -- than healthy controls. By contrast, no spontaneous mutations were found in people with schizophrenia who had family histories of the illness. The findings strongly suggest that rare, spontaneous mutations likely contribute to vulnerability in cases of schizophrenia from previously unaffected families. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080530132220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080526171404.htm Older adults with dementia who receive short-term courses of antipsychotic medications are more likely to be hospitalized or die than those who do not take the drugs, according to a new article. Tue, 27 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080526171404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522181529.htm New data have indicated that in healthy individuals, variation in a gene known as AKT1 affects the structure and function of part of the brain that is dysfunctional in individuals with schizophrenia. This genetic variation was also found to be associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia, something that has important therapeutic implications. Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080522181529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080511190849.htm Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have illuminated a window into how abnormalities in microRNAs may contribute to the behavioral and neuronal deficits associated with schizophrenia and possibly other brain disorders. They uncovered a previously unknown alteration in the production of microRNAs of a mouse modeled to have the same chromosome 22q11.2 deletions previously identified in humans with schizophrenia. Tue, 13 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080511190849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508122517.htm Neuroscientists have discovered that mice lacking an enzyme that contributes to Alzheimer disease exhibit a number of schizophrenia-like behaviors. The finding raises the possibility that this enzyme may participate in the development of schizophrenia and related psychiatric disorders and therefore may provide a new target for developing therapies. Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508122517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508075216.htm A study of patients with psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia suggests an alternative explanation for why many sufferers lack motivation. In addition to the hallucinations that often characterize schizophrenia, patients also have major problems with apathy and lack of motivation. Thu, 08 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508075216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415111640.htm Elderly patients who use antipsychotic drugs have a 60 percent increased risk of developing pneumonia compared to non-users. This risk is highest in the first week following prescription and decreases gradually thereafter. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415111640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114614.htm Schizophrenia is a complex type of psychotic mental illness characterized by thoughts that are uncoupled from reality. While enormous gains in the effective treatment of affected individuals have been achieved through the use of antipsychotic drugs, the medications have side effects. Researchers have created a new animal model that allows them to explore the sequence of some drugs' early effect in an effort to optimize the medications during treatment. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403183046.htm Aripiprazole is currently approved to treat bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia. A new study has found that it significantly and dose-dependently increases the sedative effects of alcohol and, to a lesser degree, decreases the euphoric effects of alcohol. Future research will need to examine the beneficial versus the side effects of aripiprazole for treatment of alcohol dependence. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080403183046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081922.htm Schizophrenic patients in Maine's Medicaid program experienced more frequent interruptions in treatment when the state began requiring physicians to seek prior authorization for medications not on the programs' preferred drug list. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081922.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172352.htm Researchers have uncovered genetic errors that may shed light on the causes of schizophrenia. The scientists found that deletions and duplications of DNA are more common in people with the mental disorder, and that many of those errors occur in genes related to brain development and neurological function. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311103908.htm Scientists at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health have discovered epigenetic changes in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This is the first epigenome-wide investigation in psychiatric research, and this groundbreaking data may be a significant step on the journey to fully understanding major psychosis. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311103908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229171609.htm What was once speculation is now being confirmed by scientists: the brains of women and men are different in more ways than one. Discoveries by scientists over the past 10 years have elucidated biological sex differences in brain structure, chemistry and function. "These variations occur throughout the brain, in regions involved in language, memory, emotion, vision, hearing and navigation," explains a professor of Neurobiology and Behavior. While women and men struggle to communicate with each other and ponder why they don't think and react to things in similar ways, science is proving that the differences in our brains may have more serious implications beyond our everyday social interactions. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229171609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228100720.htm There is a wealth of scientific literature available on the treatment of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, there is a paucity of data to guide the treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. The researchers discovered that clozapine was approximately twice as likely to produce a treatment response as olanzapine. Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228100720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227210845.htm Scientists have discovered a gene that increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. A mental disorder which is known to have a strong genetic component, schizophrenia is associated with disturbed thinking and hallucinations. It typically starts in late adolescence, and can have a devastating effect on sufferers and caregivers. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080227210845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228093212.htm Schizophrenia emerges from an altered pattern of brain development, and researchers continue to search for the genes that cause the brain to develop along a path that ultimately leads to schizophrenia. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228093212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226193113.htm Researchers have identified a new receptor complex in the brain that responds to several types of antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia and also reacts to hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD. The receptor complex could help provide new treatments for schizophrenia and other diseases associated with psychosis. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226193113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080219124524.htm Subtle malformations in the brains of patients with schizophrenia also tend to occur in their healthy siblings. Shape abnormalities were found in the brain's thalamus. The researchers performed brain MRI scans in 25 patients with schizophrenia and their non-affected siblings and compared the scans with those of 40 healthy volunteers and their siblings. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080219124524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215103330.htm A complete scan of the human genome has revealed that a genetic variant in the Reelin gene increases the risk of developing schizophrenia in women only. Researchers who conducted the study in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, confirmed their findings by establishing a multinational collaboration that included populations and researchers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, and China. Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215103330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208172104.htm Gazing into your lover's eyes isn't only romantic; it may also mimic early attachments that forever alter your brain and body. Researchers are studying whether the brain hormone released with touches, hugs, or when a mother and her newborn baby bond might help patients with schizophrenia, social anxiety and a variety of other disorders. Oxytocin is a brain chemical associated with pair bonding, including mother-infant and male-female bonds, increased paternal involvement with children, and monogamy in certain rodents, according to a psychiatry professor involved with the study. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080208172104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201123219.htm Kynurenic acid is the only known naturally occurring blocker of neuronal NMDA receptors, and abnormal amounts of this chemical in the brain are associated with several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Researchers have now discovered the 3D structure of the enzyme that synthesizes KYNA, which may potentially lead to new drug targets. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080201123219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204161433.htm Children of women who undergo an extremely stressful event -- such as the death of a close relative -- during the first trimester of pregnancy appear more likely to develop schizophrenia, according to a new report. Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204161433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116123517.htm Findings from what is believed to be the largest comparison of blood samples collected from healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia suggest that infection with the common Toxoplasma gondii parasite, carried by cats and farm animals, may increase the risk of schizophrenia. Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116123517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108102228.htm The field of schizophrenia research has come alive with many exciting new potential approaches to treatment. From the introduction of chlorpromazine to the current day, all treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration have had, at their core, a single treatment mechanism, the blockade of the dopamine D2 receptor. Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108102228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108100014.htm Different variations in the same gene influence how well different ethnic groups, and people within the same ethnic group, respond to various antipsychotic medications, report NIMH-funded researchers. If confirmed, their findings could one day help clinicians predict which medication is most likely to help a patient, based on his or her genetic makeup. A medication that works well for one person with schizophrenia often doesn’t work well for another. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080108100014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213101409.htm Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating of the major psychiatric disorders, and is also one of the most difficult to treat. Although numerous antipsychotic treatments are available, they can cause significant side effects and many patients experience only a partial relief of their symptoms and up to 30 percent no relief at all. Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071213101409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206145243.htm Scientists know that the drug ketamine -- street name "Special K" -- can induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in drug abusers. Ketamine is also used as an anesthetic and, more recently, as an antidepressant -- raising concerns by researchers at the UCSD School of Medicine, who have found that ketamine leads to the impairments in brain circuitry observed in both drug abusers and schizophrenic patients by causing increased production of a toxic free radical called "superoxide." Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206145243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081554.htm Puberty may have an impact on areas of the brain that contribute to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in youth, according to a new study. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208081554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208092440.htm New studies clarify the evidence of a genetic link between schizophrenia and cancer, providing a surprising possible scientific explanation for lower rates of cancer among patients with schizophrenia -- despite having poor diets and high rates of smoking -- and their parents. Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208092440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206225858.htm The social behavior of rats displaying schizophrenic tendencies is restored when they are treated with two new potential drugs that seem to have unique effects on dopaminergic signaling. Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with symptoms that include hallucinations and delusions. Other common effects are social withdrawal, lack of initiative, dulled emotions, and difficulty in experiencing pleasure. Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206225858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203190604.htm Researchers have discovered natural genetic differences that might help predict the most effective antipsychotic drugs for particular patients with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's and drug addiction. They found the differences in the gene for a molecule called the dopamine D2 receptor, a protein present on brain cells that are sensitive to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203190604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203173037.htm Scientists have identified nine genetic markers that can increase a person's risk for schizophrenia. The research team uncovered original evidence that this disabling brain disease can be inherited in a recessive manner. A recessive trait is one that is inherited from both parents. Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203173037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121213845.htm Problems with memory and social function in patients with schizophrenia may result from an imbalance in the brain's nitric oxide system. A new dissertation shows that rats with characteristics of schizophrenia regain normal brain function if they receive drugs that reduce the production of nitric oxide in the brain. Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071121213845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115082317.htm People with mental illness suffer more than just psychological problems. People with schizophrenia are more likely to suffer from ruptured appendix than others, according to new research. Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115082317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071112201245.htm The search for responsible genes for prepulse inhibition, a measure deemed to be a biological trait in schizophrenia, has exposed a gene encoding essential fatty acid-binding protein. Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071112201245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109091101.htm The inconsistent expressions related to schizophrenia are newly structured in a recent study. Scientists have created a dynamical system framework to better understand the symptoms of schizophrenia, which will hopefully lead to better treatment for those with the disorder. Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109091101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071107160159.htm A cough suppressant and a drug tested against schizophrenia curb dyskinesias, the involuntary movements that are disabling side effects of taking the Parkinson's disease medication levodopa, scientists found. Dextromethorphan, used in such cold and flu medications as Robitussin and Sucrets, suppresses dyskinesias in rats. BMY-14802, a drug tested in people with schizophrenia, also suppresses dyskinesias in rats, and does so more effectively than dextromethorphan, suggesting BMY-14802 might block dyskinesias in people with Parkinson's. Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071107160159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106174204.htm A drug used to treat high blood pressure and enlargement of the prostate may protect the brain from damage caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression and schizophrenia. Prazosin, also prescribed as an antipsychotic medication, appears to block the increase of steroid hormones known as glucocorticoids, researchers have found. Elevated levels of glucocorticoids are associated with atrophy in nerve branches where impulses are transmitted, and even nerve cell death, in the hippocampus. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106174204.htm