[extropy-chat] Molecule gives clue to schizophrenia

[Giu1i0 Pri5c0]

>From Nature: single molecule may underpin the psychotic symptoms of
schizophrenia, a mouse study suggests. A better understanding of the roots
of the disease and new antipsychotic medications may follow. Schizophrenia
affects 24 million people worldwide. Sufferers experience disrupted thoughts
and behaviour, and sometimes delusions. Its cause is uncertain, but faulty
brain chemistry is thought to be key. Three main chemical messengers, called
neurotransmitters, are implicated. Different researchers tend to favour one
molecule the others as the disease's root cause. Schizophrenia a complex
disease that affects the brain's chemistry and structure, says Carol
Tamminga from the University of Texas, Dallas, who studies the disorder.
"The next step is to work out how a molecular change like this translates
into hallucinations and delusions," she says.
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