Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : September 23, 2014 2:08 PM IST
A new study published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin has revealed a new blood test that may help identification of risk of development of serious brain disorders like schizophrenia later in life.
The blood test includes 15 measures or indicators of imbalances in the immune and hormonal system. It also offers evidence of oxidative stress. The test was used in psychiatric patients who experienced symptoms, which were considered to be indicators of psychosis. The findings identified individuals who later went on to develop psychosis.
According to author of the study Diana Perkins, professor of psychiatry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the results offer evidence about the fundamental nature of psychotic disorder like schizophrenia. It also highlights new pathways that could be targeted for preventative interventions.
The study findings are a ray of hope for those experiencing symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions. If the multiplex blood assay results are independently replicated and integrated with studies of other classes of biomarkers, it has the potential to be of high value in the clinical setting, the study concluded.
With inputs from IANS
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