Author: Bolysbek Dana
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
Scientists have taken blood samples from more than 100 people who were characterized by a high risk of developing mental illness (psychotic disorder).
Using computer imaging and machine learning to study hundreds of proteins in the blood, they were able to correctly determine which of the participants would suffer from a psychotic disorder in 93% of cases. The experts were also able to determine who would not develop psychosis in 80% of cases.
Many of the proteins associated with these conditions are also involved in inflammation, suggesting that early changes in the immune system cause brain damage over time.
The researchers studied 133 people in their 20s at risk of developing mental illness. It is known that the likelihood of developing mental disorders is higher if someone in the family has these diseases.
Babies born with certain genetic mutations are also at risk.
However, only 20 to 30 percent of these people will actually develop a psychotic disorder.
This is not the first study to suggest that psychosis may be the result of an immune disorder. A 2016 study by the University of Oxford found that people with psychosis may have a condition in which antibodies attack the brain.
After analyzing blood samples, the researchers found that about 9 percent had antibodies that could be related to their mental illness.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8698759/Blood-test-detect-signs-psychotic-disorders-years-start.html
