EEG test to identify future schizophrenics?
Wednesday 18th May 2011
An electroencephalography (EEG) test could be used to detect which individuals are more likely to develop schizophrenia in the future, according to scientists.
Research published in journal Biological Psychiatry devised a test involving playing frequently and rarely played tones differing in length while measuring the EEG response.
When the rare tones were presented to healthy individuals, their brain produced a particular brain wave known as mismatch negativity (MMN). People with schizophrenia, on the other hand, have reduced MMN.
Dr John Krystal, editor of the journal, commented that it is important to consider how sensitive and reliable MMN is as a predictor and how many false-positives it reports, among other factors.
"This is exactly the type of initial step that we need to move toward clinically meaningful biological tests," he added.
Meanwhile, research published in journal BMC Psychiatry, has indicated that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are more likely to have bad physical health than those without a psychological condition.
Written by Martin Lambert
Related articles
Cancer risk can be increased by snoring
Snoring has been highlighted as an unlikely cause for increasing the risk of cancer, new research has revealed. A team from the...
Monday 21st May 2012
National falls strategy could reduce incidents by...
A strategy between health authorities across the UK could help reduce the problem of falls in the elderly. The NHS Confederation&...
Thursday 10th May 2012
Persistent cough could be a sign of lung cancer
Having a persistent cough could be a sign that a person has lung cancer, according to a new advertising campaign from the...
Tuesday 8th May 2012
Related Hospital-Doctors Jobs
GMC registered Locum SPR within A&E required in the Midlands, to start ASAP. We have an exclusive job vacancy for a Locum...
Full infoSpecialist Registrar to work on the Paediatric Intensive Care UnitWell established NHS hospital in Central London; currently...
Full infoExperienced Locum Consultant in MAU required for a on-going job opportunity in the Middlesex area. We are looking for a Locum...
Full info