Schizophrenia Prevention: Increased Immune Cell Activity In Brain Linked To Disorder
Immune Cells In Brain Could Offer Clue To Preventing Schizophrenia
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
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Scientists have discovered a way to diagnose early onset of schizophrenia, which would enable them to offer treatment to patients before symptoms become too severe.
Researchers found that immune cells are more active in the brains of people at risk of schizophrenia, as well as those already diagnosed with the disorder.
The study, which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, is the first to find that immune cells in the brain are linked to schizophrenia.
"Now we have shown this early involvement, mechanisms of the disease and new medications can hopefully be uncovered."
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Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET) scans to measure levels of activity of immune cells in the brain.
These cells, known as microglia, respond to damage and infection in the brain, and are also responsible for rearranging the connections between brain cells so that they work as well as possible - a process known as pruning.
The scientists tested a group of 56 people, comprised of those who had already been diagnosed with schizophrenia, those at risk of the disease and those with no symptoms or risk of the disorder.
They found that activity levels of microglia in the brain increased according to the severity of symptoms in people with schizophrenia and that people with diagnosed schizophrenia had high levels of activity of these immune cells in their brain.
"This is a promising study as it suggests that inflammation may lead to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
"We now aim to test whether anti-inflammatory treatments can target these. This could lead to new treatments or even prevention of the disorders altogether."
Professor Hugh Perry, chair of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Board at the MRC, added: "Schizophrenia, like other mental health disorders, is a complex disease that we know is caused by an interplay of genetic, behavioural and other contributing factors.
"This study adds to a growing body of research that inflammation in the brain could be one of the factors contributing to a range of disorders – including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and depression - and with this new knowledge comes the hope of life-changing treatments."
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Common Mental Health Myths
You Are Not Sick (01 of11)
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MYTH: Bipolar disorder just means mood swingsFACT: Bipolar disorder is an illness with severe mood swings. Often, bipolar can interfere with one’s daily functioning, and sometimes can even lead to suicide, according to Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. (credit:Gettystock )
Am I Cured?(02 of11)
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MYTH: Once you feel better you can stop taking your medicationFACT: Almost all patients with psychiatric illness need maintenance treatment for a while, even if they start "feeling better." Masand says this is to prevent relapses and recurrences, similar to diabetes and heart disease patients. (credit:Gettystock Gettystock )
Your Relationship Is To Blame(03 of11)
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MYTH: Psychiatric illness is a result of bad relationshipsFACT: All psychiatric illnesses have a genetic component and an environmental component, Masand says. A bad relationship, for example, is only one of several factors. (credit:Gettystock )
You Can't Handle It (04 of11)
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MYTH: Psychiatric illnesses are due to weak character or inadequate coping skillsFACT: Psychiatric illnesses are medical illnesses with several origins like all other illnesses, Masand says. Just because you cry easily or can't cope with personal problems, it doesn't make you weak or more likely to be mentally ill. (credit:Gettystock )
It Will Go Away (05 of11)
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MYTH: Depression is just sadness that will go awayFACT: Depression is a serious medical illness with morbidity and mortality, Masand says. Not all people show obvious signs of being depressed either. While some seek medication or go to therapy to cope, Masand says others try exercise, yoga or meditation. On the flip side, if someone is often sad or emotional, it doesn't necessarily mean they are depressed. (credit:Gettystock )
You Won't Have A 'Normal' Life (06 of11)
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MYTH: Once you have depression or bipolar disorder, you will never achieve your full potential or live a 'normal' life FACT: Some of the most successful people in various fields have had depression or bipolar disorder, including Isaac Newton, Beethoven, Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey, Masand says. People who go through a mental illness may also feel they can't ever get back to a "normal life." This is another myth. Someone with a mental illness can still function, go to work, raise a family or perform any other task. (credit:Gettystock )
Suicide Isn't Really A Big Problem(07 of11)
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MYTH: Suicide is not a big problem in our societyFACT: You may not know someone who has committed suicide, but this doesn't mean it doesn't happen. In 2009, for example, suicide accounted for 3,890 deaths in Canada among both genders, and according to Statistics Canada, mental illness is the most important risk factor. In the U.S., Masand says suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in 2007. (credit:Gettystock )
If You Seek Help, You Are Weak (08 of11)
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MYTH: Treatment for psychiatric illness is a cop-out for weak peopleFACT: Treatment is necessary for psychiatric illnesses like it is for other medical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, Masand says. This myth is also commonly believed because finding help or telling people close to you about your illnesses can also lead to shaming and embarrassment. (credit:Gettystock )
They Are Just 'Crazy'(09 of11)
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MYTH: All patients with schizophrenia are dangerousFACT: If you've ever seen schizophrenia or mental health portrayed in mainstream media, you might just think everyone who is mentally ill is "crazy." Only a small proportion of patients with schizophrenia can be violent and this is usually because they are untreated, Masand says. (credit:Gettystock )
Just Get Over It (10 of11)
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MYTH: Talk therapy is just whining FACT: Several types of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be just as effective as medication in treating depression and anxiety disorders. (credit:Gettystock )