Thursday, August 26, 2004

Researchers Have Identified a Gene Associated With Susceptibility to Schizophrenia
PR Newswire press release at PsycPORT - "A report titled 'Polymorphisms in the Trace Amine Receptor 4 (TRAR4) Gene on Chromosome 6q23.2 are Associated with Susceptibility to Schizophrenia,' was published online this week in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The study tested 827 individuals from 192 families and presents findings that indicate a trace amine receptor gene in the chromosome 6 may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Researchers believe their work could result in opportunities for better pharmacology and ultimately prevention."  
  

A surprise on caregiver depression
Philadelphi Enquirer story reprinted at PsycPORT - " Contrary to what researchers expected, placing a loved one with dementia in a nursing home does not make caregivers feel better. In fact, most were just as depressed and anxious after their family member was in the nursing home, and some felt worse, said Richard Schulz, a University of Pittsburgh psychiatry professor who led a government-funded study published today. Anxiety abated after a year, but depression remained just as high as when the dementia patients were at home."