Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that can affect how people think, feel and perceive reality, and represents a severe form of psychosis.
Antipsychotic medications are a primary component of the treatment for schizophrenia, however, these can cause adverse metabolic side effects such as weight gain as well as increases in blood sugar, blood lipids and blood pressure. People who experience these adverse side effects are more likely to stop taking their prescribed medications and are at higher risk of heart and blood vessel diseases and in turn, cardiovascular mortality.
The severity of the adverse side effects from antipsychotic medication are influenced by genetics, environmental and lifestyle factors. However the way these risk factors overlap have not been systematically investigated.
Being able to accurately predict how an individual will experience metabolic side effects to different antipsychotic medications will substantially improve the treatments prescribed to individuals with schizophrenia.
The project will monitor individuals newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and receiving antipsychotic treatments for the first time over six months. Before starting their medication, they will be assessed for demography, family medical history, details of their diet and daily activity patterns, as well as their overall health. A blood sample will be obtained for genetic analysis and analysis of blood sugar and blood lipids. They will be reassessed at three months and again at six months to monitor how they are feeling and the impact the treatment is having on their overall health.
If successful, this project will lead to a better understanding of the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors when it comes to the effectiveness of treatments for schizophrenia. It will also be an important first step towards harnessing the power of genetic prediction to stratify patients at greater risk for these metabolic side effects and accordingly modify the treatment plan for such individuals. Ultimately, this will help to save lives, as it will enable people with schizophrenia to access safe and effective treatments.
Dr Suhas Ganesh worked as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Central Institute of Psychiatry in Ranchi, India. He also holds an adjunct position as Assistant Professor at Yale University School of Medicine.
Dr Ganesh received the young investigators award from the Brain and Behaviour Research Foundation whilst he was at Yale University in the USA, for his research into epigenetic effects of cannabis use and its effects on neurodevelopment.
His focus now is on addressing the gaps in knowledge around genetics, mental illnesses and brain development, particularly in under-represented communities.
“I have always been inspired to pursue research that greatly impacts the practice of medicine, particularly in the Indian context. The funding support from MQ enables me to achieve this dream.”
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