A simple blood test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. Until now schizophrenia was only identified by a patient's behavior, but Israeli scientists say they can tell who has the mental disorder by a blood test. Their study shows patients with high blood levels of the receptor for dopamine were likely to have the mental disorder.
Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that allows neurons to talk to each other.
Too much dopamine can cause erratic behavior, delusions and other symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Researchers say this test would allow patients to manage their disorder early on, preventing it from becoming a serious problem. Mixing St. John's Wort with Other Medication Women should check with their doctor before taking St. John's Wort. People often take the herb to treat depression. But researchers from Duke University say the herb can interfere with the effectiveness of common drugs like the pill.