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Study finds genetic risks common to psychiatric disorders

Study finds genetic risks common to psychiatric disorders

For the first time, research has shown that some psychiatric disorders share the same genetic risk factors. The work was developed by the Consortium of Genetics and Psychiatry of the United States and published today in the journal The Lancet . The researchers reviewed the genome of more than 33,000 patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and 27,000 volunteers from a control group, without the disorders, in the study of autism, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. search for DNA variations that could cause susceptibility to the five diseases. They found that there are regions with similarities to the disorders in two chromosomes and in two genes linked to the channels that regulate the flow of calcium in brain cells. Thus, the study points out that psychiatric disorders have similar genetic pathways and that the relationship between this calcium flux regulating pathway and the onset of diseases opens space for new classes of drugs.

According to the authors, the conclusions of the study provide evidence for the biological basis for diagnosis and classification of disorders. However, for the time being, the diagnosis should still be based on a clinical analysis.

Understanding ADHD:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination thereof. For these problems to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, they must present themselves outside a normal range for the child's age and development. It affects approximately 3 to 5% of school-age children. For diagnosis, the patient should have at least six symptoms of inattention or six symptoms of hyperactivity / impulsivity before the age of seven.

Depression: is an affective disorder in which there is a presence of sadness, pessimism and low self-esteem, which often appear and can be combined with each other. There is a lot of evidence that shows chemical changes in the brain of the depressed individual, especially in relation to the neurotransmitters (substances that transmit nerve impulses between the cells). Contrary to popular belief, psychological and social factors are often the consequence and not the cause of depression? but stress can raise the chances of manifestation in a person with a predisposition. The treatment of depression is essentially medicated with therapy follow-up.

Bipolar disorder: is a problem in which people alternate between periods of very good mood or irritation and depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very rapid. It usually starts between the ages of 15 and 25 and its exact cause is still unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder. The treatment is medicated and aims to decrease the alternation between the phases of the disorder, but it is important to emphasize that periods of depression and mania occur again in most patients, even under treatment.

Schizophrenia: is a mental disorder complex that hinders the distinction between real and imaginary experiences, logical thinking, emotional responses and natural social behavior. Schizophrenia is a complex disease, and mental health experts are not sure what causes it. However, some genetic factors seem to be involved. Symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop slowly over months or years. The treatment is done with medication and supportive therapies, which can be in a group. During a schizophrenia episode, it may be necessary to hospitalize the patient for safety reasons.

Autism: is a developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life and affects the normal development of the brain related to social and communication skills. The exact causes of these anomalies remain unknown. There is probably a combination of factors that leads to autism and genetics seems to be determining. Most parents of children with autism suspect that something is wrong before the child reaches 18 months of age and seeks help before it reaches 2 years. An early, intensive, and appropriate treatment program greatly improves the prospects of young children with autism.


Zika virus: WHO director trusts that Olympics will be safe for visitors

Zika virus: WHO director trusts that Olympics will be safe for visitors

According to Chan, the Brazilian government is doing his part in combating the Zika virus and the Aedes aegypti mosquito. But she stressed that the population should mobilize. "Every family, every member of society, has a role to play in combating the mosquito." The WHO Director-General stressed that another important part of the government is working with WHO is the research and development area so that means of diagnosis, treatment and control of the vector can be obtained.

(Health)