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Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Psychosis Identified

The traditional approach to diagnosing psychosis primarily involves a detailed clinical interview. However, new research from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester suggests the possibility of identifying a biomarker that could facilitate earlier diagnosis, potentially before any symptoms manifest.

“Identifying such biomarkers may significantly transform the protocols for caring for individuals with psychosis,” stated Brian Keane, PhD, an assistant professor in Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Along with his colleagues, Keane recently published findings in Molecular Psychiatry that details how MRI scans could uncover distinct neural patterns in those with psychosis. “In addition to forecasting potential psychosis onset, these biomarkers could aid in categorizing patients into relevant clinical groups and lead to more tailored treatment strategies.”

The research team analyzed data from the Human Connectome Early Psychosis Project, focusing on MRI scans of 159 individuals, 105 of whom had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder within the previous five years. The findings indicated that in those with psychosis, sensory areas of the cortex exhibited weaker connections among themselves while maintaining stronger connections to the thalamus, a key hub for processing sensory information. Notably, these discrepancies were localized within the somatomotor network, associated with bodily sensations and movements, and a visual network responsible for interpreting visual stimuli. By examining the connectivity disruptions in these networks, the team established what they termed a “somato-visual” biomarker.

Prior studies have highlighted the presence of abnormal connectivity in the sensory networks of individuals with schizophrenia, yet the specifics of which networks contribute most significantly or whether these variations stemmed from other factors like medication effects, stress, or anxiety remained largely unanswered.

“The distinctive attribute of this biomarker lies in its substantial effect size, resilience to numerous common variables, and consistent reliability across multiple MRI sessions. A simple five-minute scan has the potential to enhance our predictive capabilities regarding which at-risk individuals may develop psychosis, leading to the possibility of earlier interventions,” Keane emphasized. “Furthermore, it provides a foundation for further exploration. A critical next phase will involve investigating whether the somato-visual biomarker can be detected prior to the onset of psychotic symptoms.”

The study also includes contributions from researchers Yonatan Abrham, Boyang Hu, and Brent Johnson at the University of Rochester, Carrisa Cocuzza from Yale University, and Michael Cole from Rutgers University. This research was made possible through support from a K01 grant as well as a pilot grant from the Psychiatry Department at the University of Rochester.

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