Blood test may predict those likely to develop psychotic disorders, says study

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Washington: Testing the levels of certain proteins in blood samples can predict whether a person at risk of psychosis or is likely to develop a psychotic disorder years later, suggest the findings of a novel study. The study, published in the current edition of JAMA Psychiatry, was led by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Based on certain criteria, such as mild or brief psychotic symptoms, some people are considered to be clinically at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia. However, only 20 per cent to 30 per cent of these people will actually go on to develop a psychotic disorder. 

The researchers analysed blood samples taken from people at clinical high risk of psychosis. These individuals were followed up for several years to see who did and did not develop a psychotic disorder.

After assessing the proteins in blood samples and using machine learning to analyse this data, the scientists were able to find patterns of proteins in the early blood samples that could predict who did and did not develop a psychotic disorder at follow-up.

Many of these proteins are involved in inflammation, suggesting that there are early changes in the immune system in people who go on to develop a psychotic disorder. 

The findings also suggest that it is possible to predict their outcomes using blood samples taken several years in advance. The most accurate test was based on the 10 most predictive proteins. It correctly identified those who would go on to develop a psychotic disorder in 93 per cent of high-risk cases, and it correctly identified those who would not in 80 per cent of cases.

"Ideally, we would like to prevent psychotic disorders, but that requires being able to accurately identify who is most at risk," said Professor David Cotter, the study`s senior and corresponding author and professor of molecular psychiatry at RCSI.

"Our research has shown that, with help from machine learning, analysis of protein levels in blood samples can predict who is at truly at risk and could possibly benefit from preventive treatments. We now need to study these markers in other people at high risk of psychosis to confirm these findings," Cotter added.

A patent application has been filed, and the research team is working to commercialise this research through licensing or partnering with industry.