We’ve known for a long time that a brain afflicted with schizophrenia tends to lose brain tissue. But a new study has some amazing news to add to the picture: Some areas in the schizophrenic brain are actually growing tissue.
Researchers say this means the brain is trying to respond to tissue loss, giving new hope to those with the disorder. Where previous studies and treatments have been centered around minimizing damage, scientists now think it could be possible to actually recover from the damage done by schizophrenia.
Here’s how one scientist described the findings:
“Dr. Palaniyappan and his colleagues have opened new avenues of research into our understanding of schizophrenia. Their findings may lead us to be able to harness the brain’s own compensatory changes in the face of this illness and improve recovery.”
Schizophrenia is a really tough diagnosis. It can certainly be helped now with medication and therapy, but I’m excited to watch where this research goes! It looks like better treatment is on its way.
Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Mental Health Solutions, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.
