AsianScientist (Feb. 29, 2024) – A recent study conducted by the University of Tokyo has revealed a connection between adolescents who experience bullying and the early stages of psychotic episodes.
Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the research indicates that teenagers who are bullied are not only more likely to show early signs of psychosis but also have lower levels of a key neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for regulating emotions. This neurotransmitter, glutamate, could potentially be targeted by pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the risk of psychotic disorders. Glutamate is crucial for functions like learning, memory, and mood regulation.
Psychosis is characterized by a loss of contact with reality, incoherent speech and behavior, hallucinations, and delusions. Altered levels of glutamate, primarily found in the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), have been linked to psychosis and other mental health conditions.
By using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure glutamate levels in the ACC of Japanese adolescents, researchers found a significant association between bullying and subclinical psychotic experiences in early adolescence. These experiences, which resemble psychosis but do not meet diagnostic criteria, can have a substantial impact on well-being and functioning.
Lead author Naohiro Okada emphasized the importance of anti-bullying programs in schools to address this link and reduce the risk of psychosis. Non-pharmacological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches were recommended to address the neurotransmitter imbalance associated with bullying.
Resources such as counseling services and peer support groups can help bullied individuals cope with the effects of bullying and build resilience. The study underscores the need for early intervention to prevent the development of clinical psychotic illnesses in at-risk individuals.
Source: University of Tokyo; Image: Freepik and Asian Scientist Magazine
The full article can be accessed at: Longitudinal trajectories of anterior cingulate glutamate and subclinical psychotic experiences in early adolescence: the impact of bullying victimization
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily represent the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
