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Quetiapine-Induced Psychosis: A Rare Adverse Effect (2024 Case Report)

Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication, is renowned for its efficacy in managing a spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite its broad therapeutic utility and a generally favorable side effect profile, quetiapine’s role in rare instances of inducing psychotic symptoms warrants a closer examination. Highlights: Quetiapine’s Mechanism of …

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Cannabis (Marijuana) Use & Psychosis: Does It Increase Risk? (2023 Evidence Review)

The relationship between cannabis (marijuana) use and psychosis has been a topic of considerable scientific interest and public health concern. With changing legal statuses and societal attitudes towards cannabis use in many countries, understanding this relationship is more critical than ever. Highlights: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show a consistent association between cannabis use and increased …

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Genetic Risk for Low Vitamin D Linked to Lower Social Motivation in First-Episode Psychosis (2024 Study)

Recent research reveals a notable association between vitamin D levels and the severity of negative symptoms in individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP). A new study explored the genetic predisposition towards lower vitamin D levels and its impact on symptom severity in schizophrenia and related disorders. Highlights: Vitamin D & Psychosis Connection: Lower levels of vitamin …

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20+ New Schizophrenia Medications In Development (2015)

It is estimated that over 2.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with schizophrenia; this equates to approximately 1.1% of the population.  There are many different types of schizophrenia, in fact, genetic clusters suggest it is 8 distinct diseases.  Therefore not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia has the same set of symptoms. Certain …

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Antipsychotics and Brain Damage: Shrinkage & Volume Loss

Antipsychotics are drugs that alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and psychotic episodes.  These medications are considered highly effective interventions for mitigating “positive symptoms” such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices) and various types of delusions (e.g. assuming others are plotting against you).  Approved uses for antipsychotics include treating individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cases of …

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Delusions Of Persecution: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Delusions of persecution refer to false beliefs or perceptions in which a person believes that they are being treated with malicious intent, hostility, or harassment – despite significant evidence to suggest otherwise.  Imagine waking up and thinking that your next-door neighbor was plotting to kill you, or that your spouse had sprinkled some poison in …

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Drug-Induced Psychosis: List Of Causative Agents

Psychosis is a condition that is commonly associated with the mental illness schizophrenia.  It is defined as a detachment from reality and hallmark symptoms include delusions (beliefs that aren’t based in reality) and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling stimuli that aren’t real).  Those with psychosis are usually admitted to a psychiatric ward and/or hospital and …

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