The Laboratory is part of a worldwide effort which is being invested in the search for possible genetic factors which may partially explain psychiatric illness. This type of research is particularly important, as understanding the genetic background of an illness can be very helpful in the effort to improve both the diagnostic and the pharmacological tools available to treatment providers. We believe that in the long term, research in the field will provide considerable improvement in the quality of the lives of those suffering from psychiatric illness. For this reason, the Laboratory is actively seeking families who are willing to help us in our attempt to uncover the genetic basis of these disorders. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that mainly affects young people and is the major cause of long-term psychiatric impairment.
Schizophrenia is a disorder which affects thinking and perception.
The disorder is related to chemical imbalances in the brain. Medication is often helpful in alleviating the symptoms, although social and daily functioning may still be impaired. Some people suffer from short episodes and recover, while others suffer more severely with a more chronic impact on their lives. The Biological Psychiatry Laboratory collaborates with researchers all over the world in an effort to unravel the genetic components of schizophrenia, and has contributed to advances made in the field. Information regarding scientific publications can be found in the Research Projects, News and Publications pages of this site.