Blood Testing for Schizophrenia Detection and Treatment
Researchers at Indiana University have created a new blood test for schizophrenia. This test detects blood biomarkers that can increase the risk or severity of schizophrenia. Biomarkers are biological signs that point to the presence of a disease. This means doctors can diagnose and treat schizophrenia faster and better using only blood tests.1,2
MindX Sciences, a start-up company of Indiana University, will release the blood test later this year.1
Common symptoms of schizophrenia
Schizophrenia affects 3 million people in the United States and about 24 million worldwide. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. But experts believe genetics, environment, and brain chemistry may play a role.1-5
Schizophrenia is marked by various cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include:5
- Delusions – People with schizophrenia have false beliefs based on unrealistic views. Examples include possessing extraordinary fame and misinterpreting other people's comments.
- Hallucinations – This means seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, or tasting things that do not exist. The most common form of hallucination is hearing voices.
- Incoherent speaking – A person with schizophrenia may have problems putting their words together. Speech may involve using random, confusing words, sometimes called "word salad."
- Unusual movements – Schizophrenia can affect normal motor behavior, causing unusual movements.
- Negative symptoms – Examples include a lack of interest in daily and social activities.
Symptoms of schizophrenia typically occur between the ages of 16 and 30.5
Diagnosing schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be challenging to diagnose. Doctors diagnose schizophrenia using a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, medical history, imaging, or lab tests. This includes:3
- Physical exam to rule out other problems
- Imaging tests and screenings such as MRI and CT scans to view the brain
- Mental health evaluation to check the person's mental health status
- Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the diagnostic guideline for schizophrenia. It helps doctors diagnose schizophrenia and other mental health conditions based on a person’s symptoms. According to the DSM-5, doctors can diagnose schizophrenia with the following:6
- At least 2 of the 5 main symptoms listed above
- Persistence of symptoms for at least 6 months
- Continuous symptoms for at least 1 month
- Presence of symptoms that affect work and social life
What does this new research show?
The Indiana University researchers examined people with mental health conditions over 10 years and detected the following:1,2
- Hallucination and delusion biomarkers – These include DLG1, ENPP2, PPP3CB, RTN4, and ZEB2 biomarkers linked to hallucinations. They also include AUTS2, MACROD2, NR4A2, PDE4D, PDP1, and RORA biomarkers linked to delusions. These biomarkers are present in the blood of people with schizophrenia. Analysis of these biomarkers shows that existing medicines for schizophrenia may be effective.
- Risk of future hospital admissions – High levels of hallucination and delusion biomarkers may increase the risk of schizophrenia-related hospital admissions. This information can help doctors develop timely treatment plans to prevent worsening symptoms.
- Biomarker drug targets – Specific genes and proteins linked to schizophrenia can guide the discovery of drug targets. Drug targets are proteins or genes that drugs interact with to produce a therapeutic effect.
- Biological pathways – The study uncovered key biological pathways linked to mental health conditions. A biological pathway is a certain series of signals and actions that occur in the body. The pathways linked to mental health conditions include the glutamatergic synapse and Rap1 signaling pathways. These cause hallucinations and delusions, respectively.
The research relies on previous research on blood biomarkers over the last 2 decades. This research looked at biomarkers for various mental health conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Other biomarkers studied include those for suicide risk, pain disorders, memory disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).1
The Indiana University researchers found that biomarkers worked better than the usual methods for diagnosing hallucinations and delusions.1
How can blood testing help?
According to the researchers, blood testing can aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Detecting schizophrenia early can help doctors match people to the right treatments. This involves pairing individuals with treatments tailored to their unique biology.1
Early personalized treatment can significantly improve quality of life of people with schizophrenia. Blood tests for schizophrenia also can help doctors monitor how people respond to treatments.2
Challenges of blood testing for schizophrenia
Clinicians may have personal biases in diagnosing mental health conditions with blood tests only. They may not consider blood tests a standalone diagnostic tool.7
Some experts also have concerns about mistakenly assuming a uniform standard for a single clinical diagnosis. They want to avoid undermining other methods of diagnosis in the long run.8
Speak to your doctor if you want them to consider blood tests for your mental health diagnosis.