New Study Explores Brain Connectivity in Transition from Early to Chronic Psychosis

Recent research from Yale University has shed light on the neurobiological changes involved in the progression from early to chronic psychosis. The study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, investigates how brain networks evolve as psychotic symptoms develop and intensify. Patients in the early stages of psychosis often respond better to treatment, whereas those with chronic psychosis tend to experience more relapses and less effective interventions. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Using large datasets, including the Human Connectome Project Early Psychosis (HCP-EP) and the SRPBS Multi-disorder Connectivity dataset, researchers examined brain connectivity patterns in patients with early and chronic psychosis. They employed machine learning models on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to predict symptom severity. The findings highlighted that disruptions in the frontoparietal network—responsible for cognitive flexibility and control—are significant in both early and chronic stages. Negative symptoms, such as diminished motivation and social withdrawal, appear linked to disturbances in this network.

This neurobiological insight could enable clinicians to track symptom-related brain network changes over time, potentially predicting when patients might transition from early to more severe stages. The researchers emphasize that further longitudinal studies are needed to observe how these networks evolve across the lifespan of psychosis. Ultimately, such research could inform personalized treatment plans, improve early intervention efforts, and prevent symptom worsening.

This study offers promising directions for understanding the brain mechanisms underlying psychosis and highlights the importance of early detection and ongoing monitoring in mental health care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-brain-networks-transition-early-chronic.html