AI used to predict early symptoms of schizophrenia in relatives of patients

 Researchers have taken a step forward in developing an artificial intelligence tool to predict schizophrenia by analyzing brain scans. 

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Long-acting antipsychotic therapy plus cognitive training show promise for schizophrenia

 Patients who received the combination therapy had increased cognition and functioning

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New Analysis of fMRI Data May Hone Schizophrenia Treatment

In a new study, researchers from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) have developed tools to improve the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, and as a result are now able to identify subgroups of schizophrenia patients.
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How COVID-19 May Affect People at Risk for Psychosis

In a new review, published in the journal Schizophrenia Research, a team of researchers describes how the current COVID-19 pandemic may affect people with psychosis or those at risk for psychosis. Click here for PsychCentral link

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Cognition May Progressively Decline in Later Stages of Psychotic Illness

A new study finds that people with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, show reduced cognition in several areas, and these impairments are likely to worsen with age.  Click here to read further.

Boosting amino acid derivative may be a treatment for schizophrenia

Many psychiatric drugs act on the receptors or transporters of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. However, there is a great need for alternatives, and research is looking at other targets along the brain's metabolic pathways. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

How chronic inflammation may drive down dopamine and motivation

A new computational method will allow scientists to measure the effects of chronic inflammation on energy availability and effort-based decision-making. The method may yield insights into how chronic, low-grade inflammation contributes to motivational impairments in some cases of depression, schizophrenia and other medical disorders.  Click here to read further.

Study suggests overdiagnosis of schizophrenia

Reported symptoms of anxiety and hearing voices most common reasons for misdiagnosis by non-specialty physicians. Read ScienceDaily article here

African-Americans more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, Rutgers study finds

The study suggests a bias in misdiagnosing blacks with major depression and schizophrenia. Read ScienceDaily report here

Training to Boost Wise Behavior Can Help Those with Schizophrenia

Emerging research suggests training to enhance positive psychological traits, such as wisdom, may promote health and well-being in persons with schizophrenia. Read PsychCentral article here

B-group vitamins can improve concentration among people with first episode psychosis

A new study explored the impact of increasing a person's intake of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid [vitamin B9] after studies in people with schizophrenia revealed that increased intake of these vitamins could decrease patients' levels of an amino acid called homocysteine and improve their symptoms.Read ScienceDaily article here

Schizophrenia May Disrupt Bodily Experience of Emotion

A new study shows that how people experience emotion through their bodies is radically altered in people with schizophrenia. Click here to read synopsis

Targeted cognitive training benefits patients with severe schizophrenia

Researchers find that patients with severe, refractory schizophrenia benefit from targeted cognitive therapy, improving auditory and verbal outcomes and the way they process information. Click here for ScienceDaily

Keep it complex: Study shows that previous research oversimplified Schizophrenia symptoms

 Negative symptoms in schizophrenia can be so disabling that they interfere with a person's ability to attend school, begin a fulfilling career, and even live independently. Click here to read article

Scientists discover schizophrenia gene roles in brain development

A University of Southern California research team identified 150 proteins affecting cell activity and brain development that contribute to mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar condition and depression. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Childhood trauma link offers treatment hope for people with schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may now benefit from more effective, tailored treatments and greater self-empowerment, thanks to research establishing a link between childhood trauma and some of schizophrenia's most common symptoms. Click here for ScienceDaily article

Musical Talent May Be Tied to Reduced Risk for Hallucinations

Higher musical aptitude appears to be linked to a reduced risk for experiencing hallucinations, according to a new U.K. study published in the journal Schizophrenia Research. This reduced tendency toward hallucinations may be due to a particular difference in the brain structure of musicians. Click here to see PsychCentral article

Avatar Therapy May Ease Schizophrenia Symptoms

New research suggests a new form of therapy which involves a face-to-face discussion between a person with schizophrenia and an avatar appears to help relieve hallucinations when provided along with usual treatment.  Click here for article.

Biomarkers May Aid in the Development of New Schizophrenia Drugs

A new study has identified biomarkers that may help in the development of better treatments for schizophrenia. The findings are published online in JAMA Psychiatry. Click here for article, (this link will not direct you to the research itself).

Bipolar Patients with Schizophrenia Genes May Not Respond to Lithium

Patients with bipolar disorder who do not respond to lithium treatment all share something in common: a high number of genes previously identified for schizophrenia, according to a new international study led by the University of Adelaide in Australia. Click here for PsychCentral article