MentalHealthDaily

Black Americans Diagnosed with Schizophrenia 2.42x the Rate of White Americans: More Negative Symptoms

by GLOOM

Photoreal illustration representing racial stress and mental health, with conceptual imagery of contemplation, identity, and cognitive pathways.

Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42 times the rate of White Americans, and they also score higher on negative-symptom measures than White patients carrying the same diagnosis.2 A 2026 paper by Spann and colleagues asks why. Research Highlights Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42x the rate of White Americans, …

Lupus Psychosis: 4.5% Prevalence and Antibody Predictors

by GLOOM

Stylized illustration of autoantibodies and immune complexes crossing a disrupted blood-brain barrier, evoking the immune-mediated mechanism by which lupus produces psychosis.

Psychosis is one of 19 neuropsychiatric syndromes the American College of Rheumatology recognizes as attributable to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects young women.2 A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis from Parperis and colleagues in Lupus pooled 65 studies and 31,495 patients.1 The synthesis matters less for the headline 4.5% prevalence …

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

by GLOOM

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 …

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

by GLOOM

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 …

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

by GLOOM

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 …

20+ New Schizophrenia Medications In Development (2015)

by GLOOM

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 …

Antipsychotics and Brain Damage: Shrinkage & Volume Loss

by GLOOM

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 …