New research shows that being bullied may alter levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which has been linked to psychosis. Research from the University of Tokyo found that bullied adolescents are at risk associated with early episodes of psychosis.
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, found that bullied teens not only faced a higher risk of early psychotic symptoms, but also lower levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for emotion regulation. This finding suggests that this neurotransmitter may be a potential target for pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing the risk of mental disorders. Glutamate is involved in a variety of functions, including learning, memory, and emotion regulation.
Psychosis is associated with altered levels of glutamate, which is abundant in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the brain. ACC plays a vital role in regulating mood, decision-making, and cognitive control, making it a key area for understanding mental health. Psychosis is a mental state characterized by a loss of connection with reality, incoherence in speech and behavior, and often hallucinations and delusions.
Researchers noted that glutamate levels decreased in people who had a first psychotic episode or who had a psychotic disorder that could be **. Changes in glutamate levels have also been linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. To date, changes in ACC glutamate levels in people at high risk for psychosis, and the relationship between this change and the impact of bullying in adolescents, remain unclear.
To understand this, the investigators measured glutamate levels in the ACC region of Japanese adolescents using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). They measured glutamate levels at a later stage to assess changes over time. They then compared these changes to the experience of bullying or the absence thereof, and assessed whether the individual facing the bullying had the intent to seek help.
Using questionnaires and psychiatric measures to track bullying behavior, the researchers found a significant association between bullying behavior and higher levels of subclinical psychotic experiences in early adolescence. These subclinical experiences resemble psychosis but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria, including hallucinations, paranoia, or significant changes in thinking or behavior that can have a significant impact on health and functioning, even in the absence of a psychiatric diagnosis.
"Studying these subclinical psychiatric experiences is important for us to understand the early stages of psychosis and to identify individuals who may be at increased risk of developing clinical psychosis later in life," said Naohiro Okada, lead author and program associate of the study. He highlighted the importance of anti-bullying programs in schools, calling them key to reducing bullying and its negative consequences.
While the study identified potential pharmacological targets, Okada suggested non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral** or mindfulness-based approaches, to address the neurotransmitter imbalance associated with bullying.