Study finds malfunction in 2 brain systems in individuals with psychosis

A new study led by Stanford University has identified two brain systems that function improperly in individuals experiencing psychosis. The study, published in the journal ‘Molecular Psychiatry’, found that the filtering system, or the salience network, and the reward predicting system were not functioning as they should in people with psychosis.

The filtering system helps individuals dismiss irrational thoughts and focus on what is real and important, while the reward predicting system, driven by dopamine, is crucial for anticipating rewards. When these systems malfunction, thoughts that are not linked to reality can take over the brain’s cognition networks, leading to symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusional beliefs.

Researchers analyzed brain scans of individuals aged 6-39 years with psychosis and found that the anterior insula and the ventral striatum were the two brain regions most contributing to psychosis. These findings are important in understanding the development and progression of schizophrenia, a mental illness in which psychosis may occur either alone or as a symptom.

Lead author Kaustubh Supekar, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, highlighted the significance of the study in early detection and intervention in schizophrenia. The abnormalities in brain regions associated with psychosis are evident even in children, indicating that early interventions may be crucial in altering the course of the disease.

The research sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of psychosis and provides insights into potential targets for intervention and treatment. The findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing psychosis.