How Research On Schizophrenia Brain Changes May Lead To New Treatments
According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people around the world. This chronic brain disorder can have profound effects on a person’s relationships and everyday functioning, but new research on brain changes in people living with schizophrenia may lead to promising new treatments. Below, we’ll look at recent research on schizophrenia brain changes, treatments, and ways that people living with schizophrenia can get help.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is often misunderstood or confused with other disorders, but according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person must meet the following criteria to be diagnosed with this illness:
“Two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time
during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated). At least one of these
must be (1), (2), or (3):
1. Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence)
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
5. Negative symptoms (i.e., diminished emotional expression or avolition)”
Remember that only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose a person with an illness like schizophrenia. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms, it's recommended that you meet with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
New research on schizophrenia brain atrophy
Research on schizophrenia is ongoing, and there have been many new developments in recent years. As one example, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have discovered a network related to brain atrophy in people living with schizophrenia. The research team looked at functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from over 8,000 people across 90 published studies. The study included people with various clinical and neurobehavioral measures, including people with chronic schizophrenia, recently diagnosed individuals, and people without schizophrenia.
The results led to the discovery of a single network related to brain atrophy at different stages of schizophrenia. Researchers also found similar atrophy patterns in people at risk of developing schizophrenia. Further research of this network may lead to treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.
Schizophrenia and men’s health
Research published in the journal Psychological Medicine found that schizophrenia related to cannabis use disorder may be more common among men. The study looked at data of more than six million people from over 50 years and found an association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia in young men. Further research on this connection may lead to better treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD), which may help prevent substance-induced schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia and eye health
Numerous researchers have also studied differences in eye health in people living with schizophrenia. In one review and meta-analysis published in Molecular Psychiatry, for example, individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) demonstrated retinal thickness and a thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL).
Other studies have suggested differences in visual perception in people living with schizophrenia. However, researchers don’t yet know if this disruption happens primarily in the brain or in the precortical areas, such as the retina or the lateral geniculate nucleus. Further research on the mechanisms of visual disturbances may lead to better detection and earlier treatment, which may help slow the progression and reduce the impact of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis
Research suggests that psoriasis, a skin condition, is commonly comorbid with several other conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Perhaps due to this connection, one systematic review published in 2024 suggests that certain medications for psoriasis may also help with mental disorders. The study states, “In general, psoriasis drugs (conventional drugs, small molecule drugs, TNF-α inhibitors, IL inhibitors) all have a positive effect on MD [mental disorder].”
Some medications for psoriasis may have a stronger effect, depending on the comorbid mental disorder a person experiences. A healthcare provider may be able to find a medication that can help with your specific case. Remember to not start, stop, or change any medication without checking with your doctor.
Treatment for schizophrenia symptoms
Treatment for schizophrenia often involves a combination of medication and therapy. Medications may include antipsychotics, especially second-generation antipsychotics, as these may lead to fewer side effects. These medications may help reduce psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Medications may also help people living with schizophrenia get the most out of therapy.
Talk therapy for a mental illness like schizophrenia
Schizophrenia usually requires regular, in-person psychiatric care. In addition, a licensed mental health professional like a therapist may be able to help schizophrenia patients in a number of ways. For example, therapists may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an approach that helps individuals learn to recognize and challenge distorted thoughts. CBT may help not only with clinical symptoms of schizophrenia but also with the effects of any comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or depression. A therapist can also help the person develop healthy habits to reduce symptoms and healthy coping mechanisms for when they do arise.
Online therapy for people living with schizophrenia or another mental illness
In certain cases, such as when experiencing acute symptoms, a person with schizophrenia may need immediate hospitalization or in-person psychiatric treatment. However, for those who are on a successful treatment plan that helps them control their symptoms, online therapy may be a convenient and beneficial addition to their routine.
In addition to receiving in-person psychiatric care as needed, meeting with an online therapist may help an individual with schizophrenia cope with life challenges and symptoms of any comorbid conditions like depression or anxiety in a healthy way. Online therapy can also be a source of support for the loved ones of an individual with a serious illness like schizophrenia.
Online therapy allows individuals to connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of home at a time that works for them. They can choose to speak with a therapist via phone, video call, or live chat, depending on their preferences, and these remote sessions can take place from anywhere the client has an internet connection. As a result, individuals seeking mental or emotional support can receive care in a way that’s comfortable and convenient for them. Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression, anxiety, and similar challenges.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions related to schizophrenia.
What causes schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is thought to be caused in part by genetics, as having a family history of the disorder can increase a person’s risk of developing it. Also, in some cases, first-episode schizophrenia may be influenced by substance use at an early age. Other possible causal factors include differences in brain structure and imbalances in chemicals needed for communication between nerve cells in the brain.
What are some possible schizophrenia brain differences?
Brain abnormalities, such as changes in brain structure, brain volume, brain tissue, and brain function, may play a role in schizophrenia development. Structural brain changes may occur before birth for a number of reasons.
What’s the relationship between schizophrenia and eye health, men’s health, and psoriatic arthritis?
Many people who live with schizophrenia experience challenges with visual perception. Researchers don’t yet know the exact mechanism of this challenge. In terms of men’s health, research suggests that young men with cannabis use disorder may be at higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Finally, new research suggests that medication for psoriasis, which can co-occur with psoriatic arthritis, may also help treat certain mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
What are the positive symptoms and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech can all be symptoms of schizophrenia, but some are positive and some are negative. Positive symptoms refer to those in addition to a person’s normal experience. Examples include hallucinations and delusions (false beliefs). Negative symptoms refer to reductions in typical emotions or behaviors. For example, some people may experience a flat affect and less desire to socialize.
What happens in the brain in schizophrenia?
Researchers in brain development, psychology, and brain imaging are still exploring whether schizophrenia is caused by genetic factors, progressive brain changes, or one’s environment. Research findings do show brain volume changes and brain tissue loss in the temporal lobe of the brains of some people with schizophrenia. Progressive brain changes in early adulthood can lead to cognitive difficulties. Notably, researchers are seeing gray matter (a lack of tissue) in the left superior frontal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus in these patients. Loss of brain matter in the superior frontal gyrus and other parts of the brain may explain some symptoms individuals experience, such as auditory hallucinations. Note that brain imaging alone cannot be used to diagnose any mental illness, such as schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder.
What is inside the mind of someone with schizophrenia?
Every person with schizophrenia is different. Someone who is not having an active psychotic episode may not have any notable changes in their thoughts. However, during a psychotic episode, they may have disjointed thoughts, hallucinations, and difficulty discerning reality. First-episode psychosis can be especially severe and may lead to first-episode schizophrenia patients being diagnosed with the condition. Often, antipsychotic medications are prescribed to reduce the negative impacts of psychosis, which is the primary symptom of schizophrenia.
Does schizophrenia affect memory?
Schizophrenia can affect memory for some people. Episodic memory is known to be dysfunctional in many people with schizophrenia due to changes in cerebral ventricular size and the way neurotransmitters carry messages in the temporal lobe. Diffusion tensor imaging might be used to notice these changes in the brain and support the individual with medication and other forms of mental health treatment.
Can schizophrenia be cured?
Schizophrenia does not have a cure. However, this condition can be effectively managed, and symptoms can go into remission for significant periods. For example, someone who takes antipsychotic medications may not experience hallucinations or delusions as often and may be able to live a healthy life without many symptoms. Medication adherence is often a significant part of treating schizophrenia.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
What is the best therapy for schizophrenia?
Many forms of talk therapy are used for schizophrenia alongside other treatments, like medication. Below are some modalities that are commonly used:
- Social skills training
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Case management
- Psychoeducation programs
- Remediation
- Group therapy
What activities are good for schizophrenia?
Positive lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia for some people. For example, the following changes are often recommended:
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercise or physical movement
- Spending time with loved ones
- Partaking in hobbies
- Doing creative activities, such as art, writing, or singing
- Playing with pets
- Having a routine
- Eating nutritious meals
- Getting enough water
- Paying attention to hygiene habits
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