AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
Back to AICAFMHA Homepage / News in Brief Index / Issue #29
11 December, 2002
For immediate release
media release
SANE Australia
A national charity helping those affected by mental illness through campaigning, education and
research
MRI scan for psychosis shows promise
SANE Australia welcomes the findings of new research showing MRI scans may predict psychotic illness in people at high risk and gives promise of a future diagnostic test
Barbara Hocking, Executive Director of SANE Australia said: ?We are very encouraged by the news of the possible development of a diagnostic test for psychotic illness. Such an objective test has the potential to reduce not only the devastating impact of illnesses like schizophrenia, but also the associated stigma.?
The study ? conducted by an international team headed by Dr Christos Pantelis of the University of Melbourne ? involved 75 young people showing no sign of illness, but who were at high risk of developing psychosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to scan and map the brain structures of participants before and after the onset of illness. The results showed observable changes in the structure of the brains of 31 per cent of the participants who went on to develop psychosis.
It has been known for some time that people with schizophrenia ? the most common psychotic illness ? have a different brain structure, particularly in the areas linked to emotion and social behaviour. The study observed changes, for the first time, as psychotic illness was developing.
These results are significant as early detection and treatment leads to better outcomes. For people with mental illness and their families, one of the ongoing frustrations is the delay in starting treatment until a diagnosis can be clearly established. A diagnosis of schizophrenia, for example, is made by observing symptoms over a period of at least six months. MRI scanning could lead to earlier intervention, which in turn leads to improved recovery, less risk of relapse and long term disability.
The researchers suggest people at high risk may even be offered treatment before symptoms appear to prevent the onset of psychotic illness.
Although it?s too early to know the full potential of the research findings, the development of a possible diagnostic tests looks promising.
Back to AICAFMHA Homepage / News in Brief Index / Issue #29
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