Research Pinpoints Brain Regions Behind Hallucinations, Delusions

A recent breakthrough in neuroscience has brought us closer to understanding the enigma of psychosis, the hallmark of conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Through innovative brain scans and advanced machine learning techniques, researchers have honed in on the specific brain regions implicated in these debilitating experiences.

The prevailing theory suggests that during psychosis, the brain's networks responsible for directing attention go awry. This malfunction leads to hallucinations and delusions, disrupting an individual's perception of reality. While psychosis is often associated with severe mental disorders, its manifestations can span a spectrum and may occur independently of diagnosed conditions.

Previous attempts to unravel the neural underpinnings of psychosis faced challenges, particularly in distinguishing between brain changes due to the condition itself and those resulting from medication. However, a recent study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, aimed to elucidate these mechanisms from an early age, potentially facilitating earlier diagnosis and more effective interventions.

Led by Kaustubh Supekar from Stanford University School of Medicine, the study focused on individuals aged 6 to 39 with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic condition linked to psychosis. By leveraging functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, the researchers analysed brain activity in nearly 900 participants, including those with and without psychosis, as well as individuals with ADHD and autism for comparison.

Employing a novel machine learning algorithm, the team uncovered distinct patterns in the brains of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and psychosis. Specifically, they identified anomalies in two critical components of the brain's "salience network": the anterior insula and the ventral striatum. These regions play pivotal roles in filtering information and assessing its significance, respectively.

These findings not only validate prior hypotheses but also offer new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying psychosis. Building upon this knowledge, researchers aim to explore targeted interventions, such as brain stimulation, to mitigate the risk of psychosis in vulnerable individuals. Additionally, investigating the impact of antipsychotic medications on these brain areas may shed light on their therapeutic mechanisms.