Schizophrenia

Providing support and care for adults with schizophrenia can mean a significant personal and financial burden for family members.

Researchers in one study found that semaglutide may indirectly improve adherence to antipsychotic therapy for those with schizophrenia and lower expensive acute episodes by preventing weight gain and increasing physical health.

The short-term study is believed to be the first to evaluate both interventions combined for people with mental illness.

The researchers gauged verbal communication by analyzing how the individuals in the study narrated a story based on six cartoon images.

Using heart rate variability as a potential biomarker for diagnostic support and early screening of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder could eventually lead to faster, less costly assessments outside of clinical settings that would be especially helpful in rural areas and low-income countries, according to a study.

CT-155, a smartphone-based prescription digital therapeutic, addresses an unmet need in schizophrenia, showing safety and efficacy in a phase 3 trial.

A study of patients with schizophrenia at a psychiatric hospital in China showed that focused group therapy in combination with antipsychotic medication is linked to improvement in depression and other aspects of mental health.

Large language models (LLMs) were more likely to suggest inferior treatment options when reviewing hypothetical cases when patients' Black identity was listed or implied.

One paper compares aripiprazole, cariprazine and brexpiprazole for first-episode use. Another measures long-term outcomes for an aripiprazole monthly injectable.

Although a warming planet is bad for human health overall, the prognosis for schizophrenia is particularly poor, researchers argue in a commentary.

The authors of an opinion piece in The Lancet Psychiatry make a case for paying more attention to the autistic features of schizophrenia.

The FDA has accepted the new drug application for the antipsychotic Bysanti and set a goal date for February 21, 2026.

Meanwhile, newly approved Cobenfy and the long-acting injectable antipsychotics may help with the long-standing problem of nonadherence to schizophrenia treatment.

KarXT — now with the brand name Cobenfy— is expected to be available in October with a list price of about $22,500 annually. The drug represents a new way to treat adults with schizophrenia.