psychosis

January 27, 2022

White matter and psychosis

The microstructure of white matter in the brain could be an important risk marker for psychosis, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Emily Stembridge
The psychosis study team includes, from left, Neil Woodward, PhD, Maureen McHugo, PhD, Stephan Heckers, MD, MSc, Suzanne Avery, PhD, and Kristan Armstrong, PhD.
August 5, 2021

NIMH support bolsters early psychosis research efforts

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has received an additional $4 million from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to study the evolution of hippocampal dysfunction in the early stage of psychosis.

By Emily Stembridge
October 1, 2020

Pinpointing brain changes in psychosis

Specific regions of the thalamus — a central brain region — are smaller in adults with psychotic disorders and youth at risk for psychotic disorders and are associated with cognitive impairment.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 10, 2019

Relational memory in early psychosis

Studies of relational memory function may reveal novel mechanisms for therapeutic intervention for patients in the early stages of psychosis.

By Kelsey Herbers
Attendees cut the ribbon at last week’s event marking the opening of the Charlotte and Donald Test Jr. Center at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
August 7, 2019

Psychiatric Hospital debuts new inpatient unit for psychotic disorders

Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital has opened a new inpatient unit focused primarily on patients in the early stage of a psychotic disorder and on patients who need the most comprehensive diagnostic clarity and close monitoring.

By Kelsey Herbers
July 11, 2019

Working memory in psychotic disorders

Functional MRI studies have revealed that targeting activation of certain brain regions may improve working memory and cognition in psychotic disorders.

By Kelsey Herbers
June 24, 2019

Early detection of schizophrenia

Inhibited temperament — a tendency to respond to novelty with wariness, fear or caution — may be a risk factor for schizophrenia that could be targeted for preventative interventions.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 13, 2019

$10 million gift bolsters psychosis research efforts

A $10 million endowed gift will fund translational research, support clinical programs and create an endowed chair within the Department of Psychiatry.
By Kelsey Herbers
March 7, 2019

Brain aging occurs at accelerated rate in patients with psychosis

According to a new study by Vanderbilt researchers, normal brain aging patterns in patients with a psychotic disorder occur at an accelerated rate, impacting the patient’s cognitive functioning and suggesting treatment intervention in the early psychosis period may improve long-term outcomes.
By Kelsey Herbers
July 19, 2018

Awards bolster investigators’ bipolar disorders research

Two Vanderbilt University researchers have been awarded Blake A. Jenkins Discovery Awards in support of basic and/or translational research into bipolar disorder and related conditions with an emphasis on early detection, intervention and utilizing brain imaging.
By Nancy Humphrey
June 14, 2018

Shared genetics may shape treatment options for certain brain disorders

Symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including psychosis, depression and manic behavior, have both shared and distinguishing genetic factors, an international consortium led by researchers from Vanderbilt University and Virginia Commonwealth University is reporting.
By Bill Snyder
August 21, 2015

Brain circuitry in psychosis

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has revealed faulty circuits between the thalamus – a central hub of brain activity – and other brain regions.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 17, 2012

Insights for neuroscience drug discovery

When discovering drugs for brain disorders, it’s important to test the candidates in multiple ways to avoid advancing those with restricted physiological effects.
By Leigh MacMillan
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