Discovery of gene could improve treatment for schizophrenics

THE discovery of a gene associated with severe schizophrenia could lead to improved treatment of those with the mental disorder.

Up to 2,000 Irish people, including 270 families affected by the condition, took part in the study which led to the discovery of the gene, MEGF1.

Dr Tony O’Neill, an academic at Queen’s University Belfast, was part of the international team who identified the gene. Dr O’Neill, from the Department of Psychiatry at Queen’s, said their discovery “helps piece together the complex picture underlying risk of schizophrenia and offers the hope of more successful interventions in the future”.