British scientists have identified that the failure in the brain’s chemical signaling system is the cause of schizophrenia.
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| For the first time, scientists have a non-invasive method to scan the brains of living people (Image: TTO) |
Using brain imaging techniques, experts from the UK Institute of Psychiatry compared brain scans of individuals with schizophrenia to those of healthy volunteers.
They discovered a malfunction in the chemical connections necessary for neurons to “communicate” with each other.
The scientists stated that this discovery is very significant; however, they noted: “Schizophrenia is not simply caused by a chemical imbalance.”
The single photon emission tomography method allows researchers to examine the activity of this chemical system by emitting radiation that stimulates the NDMA receptor.
The collected data showed that the left hemisphere of the brains of schizophrenia patients is very weak in activity, and the signals often fail to reach each other. This area of the brain is considered to control learning, cognition, and memory capabilities.
However, patients who are on medication showed improved results in testing. The medication they are using seems to increase glutamate levels while also affecting other chemical systems in the brain. Nevertheless, medication can cause harmful side effects, such as inducing Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Professor Lyn Pilowsky, the lead researcher, stated: “This is the first time we have a non-invasive method to scan the brains of living individuals. This opens the door to new, more effective diagnostic and treatment methods for schizophrenia patients.”
However, he added: “In addition to chemical imbalances, poverty and childhood psychological trauma are also causes of this disorder.”
KHANG LINH
