Unlocking Schizophrenia: Mitochondria Dysfunction at the Forefront

Summary: Researchers have identified a pivotal role of impaired mitochondrial function in the development of schizophrenia by examining the genetic risk factor 3q29 deletion syndrome. The genetic condition, known to…

Amotivation and Anhedonia Key to Social Functioning in Schizophrenia

Summary: Amotivation and anhedonia, rather than expressive dysfunction, are crucial to determining the social functioning of individuals with schizophrenia. The transdiagnostic network analysis examined the relationship between negative symptoms, other…

Study Challenges Longstanding Beliefs About Action of Antipsychotic Medications

Summary: Researchers uncovered a pivotal detail that could revolutionize schizophrenia treatment. Contrary to longstanding belief, antipsychotic drugs that mitigate overactive dopamine, a hallmark of schizophrenia, interact primarily with a different…

Schizophrenia Linked to Non-Inherited Genetic Mutations

Summary: Researchers found a link between schizophrenia and somatic copy-number variants, mutations occurring post-inheritance. The study scrutinized genotype-marker data from over 20,000 blood samples, identifying two genes, NRXN1 and ABCB11,…

Shaping Young Minds: Neurodevelopment Interventions for Psychiatric Disorders

Summary: Researchers explored potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism that act during critical windows of brain development. They specifically targeted underperforming dopamine neurons, which connect to the…

Unexpected Role of Immune Autoantibodies in Schizophrenia

Summary: A study reveals a connection between schizophrenia and autoimmune reactions. The researchers identified autoantibodies against the synaptic protein neurexin 1α in about 2% of patients with schizophrenia. These autoantibodies,…

Understanding Delusions of Control: How Schizophrenia Alters Perception of Action

Summary: A new study sheds light on the phenomenon of ‘delusions of control’, often experienced by schizophrenia patients. This condition, marked by the belief that one’s actions are controlled by…

Shared Genetics for Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders

Summary: Researchers discovered shared genetic underpinnings for cannabis use and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Employing advanced statistical modeling, the study revealed a complex interplay of genetic variants…

Schizophrenia Risk Genes: Placenta’s Role May Outweigh Brain’s

Summary: In a paradigm shift, researchers found over 100 genes associated with schizophrenia risk operate primarily through their role in the placenta, rather than the developing brain. The research emphasizes…

Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to Increased Schizophrenia Risk in Males

Summary: Young men who suffer from cannabis use disorder are more likely to develop schizophrenia, according to a new study. The study analyzed health records data of over 6 million…