Search Here

Recent research has unveiled a concerning correlation between bullying experienced during adolescence and the emergence of early-stage psychosis, linked to diminished levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate within the ACC or the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain. 

In the study, adolescents subjected to bullying exhibited reduced levels of glutamate in the ACC, indicating an early indication of psychosis. This results in glutamate being a potential target for interventions aimed at preventing psychotic disorders in bullied teenagers.

Psychosis and glutamate

Psychosis represents a mental state characterized by a detachment from reality, manifested through incoherent speech and behavior, along with hallucinations and delusions, commonly observed in conditions like schizophrenia. 

Glutamate levels are lower than normal in individuals experiencing their first psychotic episode or managing treatable schizophrenia. Glutamate, abundant in the brain, particularly within the ACC, is integral to functions, such as learning, memory and mood regulation.

The researchers employed magnetic resonance spectroscopy or MRS to measure glutamate levels within the ACC of adolescents. By tracking bullying victimization through questionnaires and formal psychiatric assessments, they identified a significant association between bullying and heightened subclinical psychotic experiences during early adolescence. 

Interventions

Lead author Naohiro Okada emphasized the importance of studying these subclinical psychotic experiences to grasp the early stages of psychotic disorders and identify individuals at heightened risk of developing clinical psychotic illnesses later in life. The study revealed that higher levels of subclinical psychotic experiences were linked to diminished anterior cingulate glutamate levels during early adolescence. 

Okada stressed the necessity of anti-bullying programs in schools, focusing on fostering positive social interactions and curbing aggressive behaviors to reduce the risk of psychosis and its precursor symptoms. Additionally, providing support services and mental health resources for bullied adolescents, such as counseling and peer support groups, can aid in coping with the adverse effects of bullying and fostering resilience. 

While the study identified a potential target for pharmacological interventions, Okada suggested non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness interventions could also address this neurotransmitter imbalance effectively.