Five-Minute Brain Scan May Be Key to Predicting Psychosis Risk, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study suggests that a simple, five-minute brain scan could soon be a game-changer in predicting individuals at risk of developing psychosis.

Researchers found that brain scans of patients with psychosis revealed distinct patterns in brain connectivity. Specifically, the regions responsible for processing sensory information showed weak connections with each other, but were strongly connected to the thalamus, a crucial area of the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory and movement signals.

Brian Keane, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of Rochester and the study's lead author, explains that this scan could improve the ability to predict which individuals at risk will eventually transition to a psychotic disorder.

“A single five-minute scan could potentially improve our ability to predict which at-risk individuals will transition to a psychotic disorder, which in turn could allow for more timely treatments or interventions,” Keane noted.

About The Study

The research, which involved analyzing MRI scans from 159 participants, included 105 individuals who developed a psychotic disorder within five years prior to testing. The study focused on psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. These conditions are characterized by losing touch with reality, often accompanied by symptoms such as hallucinations.

The study revealed that differences in brain activity between individuals with psychosis and those without psychosis were confined to two major brain networks: the somatomotor network, which handles bodily movements and sensations, and the visual network, responsible for processing visual representations, including faces, objects, and complex features. By identifying abnormal connectivity patterns between these two networks, researchers were able to create what they call a "somato-visual biomarker."

This biomarker could potentially serve as an early diagnostic tool, allowing for the identification of psychosis before its first symptoms appear. Currently, psychosis is typically diagnosed through interviews with mental health professionals, but this new biomarker could provide an objective, reliable method for early detection.

Key Findings of the Research

According to Keane, this somato-visual biomarker is particularly promising due to its significant effect size, high reliability across multiple scans, and its robustness against common confounding factors. "What makes this biomarker unique is its large effect size, its robustness to over a dozen common confounds, and its high reliability across multiple scans," Keane emphasized in the study published in Molecular Psychiatry.

The next crucial step for researchers is to determine whether this biomarker appears before the onset of psychosis or as the condition begins to develop. This will help refine the scan’s ability to serve as an early warning system.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential for a simple, non-invasive brain scan to revolutionize how we predict and diagnose psychosis. By detecting abnormal brain connectivity patterns early, this innovation could lead to more effective treatments and interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals at risk of developing psychotic disorders.

What is psychotic disorder? 

A psychotic disorder refers to a mental health condition characterized by a person losing touch with reality, often leading to impairments in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. People experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imagined, which can manifest in various symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and disorganized speech.

Common Types of Psychotic Disorders:

1. Schizophrenia – A chronic condition where individuals experience a combination of hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive difficulties. It typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.

2. Bipolar Disorder (Manic Phase) – In its most severe form, individuals can experience psychosis during the manic episodes of bipolar disorder, where they may experience delusions or hallucinations.

3. Delusional Disorder – People have persistent delusions but generally retain normal behavior in other areas.

4. Substance-Induced Psychosis – This occurs when the use of drugs, alcohol, or medication causes psychotic symptoms.

Key Symptoms of Psychotic Disorders:

• Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that aren't real.

• Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, like believing one is being persecuted or has extraordinary powers.

• Disorganized Thinking: Trouble connecting thoughts logically or following a conversation.

• Disorganized Behavior: Engaging in strange or unpredictable behavior.

Psychotic disorders often require treatment such as antipsychotic medications, therapy, and sometimes hospitalization to ensure safety and promote recovery. Early intervention and support can improve outcomes for those with these disorders.

For more detailed information, you may explore resources from authoritative sites like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the American Psychiatric Association.