German researchers suggest that environmental factors have a major impact on the onset of schizophrenia. They found that individuals exposed to four or more environmental risk factors, such as perinatal brain insults, cannabis use, neurotrauma, psychotrauma, urbanicity and migration, developed schizophrenia approximately 8 years sooner than those not exposed to risk factors. In addition, it …
In bilingual people, impaired language may be an indicator of schizophrenia, new research suggests. Participants who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and spoke two languages had more speech impairments in their second language (L2) than in their first language. This included more incomplete sentences and repeated words. Lead author Daria Smirnova, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry …
Some anti-inflammatory drugs may improve the efficacy of existing schizophrenia treatments, according to a group of researchers from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. Researchers have known the immune system is linked to certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but up until now there was no conclusive evidence that helping the …
Currently, a diagnosis of schizophrenia relies on assessments from mental health experts, but a new study suggests that a blood test could determine who is at high risk for schizophrenia. This could lead to earlier treatment in the prodromal phase of the illness and better outcomes, according to Dr. Diana O. Perkins of the University …
Researchers at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of California, San Diego have found that neurons from schizophrenia patients secrete larger amount of three neurotransmitters implicated in various psychiatric disorders. This represents a big step toward understanding the chemical basis from schizophrenia which is a chronic brain disorder in about 1 in …
A new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry suggests that individuals who have been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are more likely to develop schizophrenia. The study was led by Sandra M. Meier, PhD, of the Aarhus University in Denmark and found that OCD and schizophrenia tend to occur in adolescence or early …
Individuals with schizophrenia may need a little extra help and support from loved ones to finish school, maintain friendships, and achieve any other goals they have set for themselves. While they may never lead completely independent lives, healthy habits and lifestyle can help those living with schizophrenia achieve more independence and improve quality of life. …
