Neuroscientists have developed a new animal model of schizophrenia that will enable researchers around the world to better understand the disease and develop new treatments. Schizophrenia, which affects around seven people in 1,000, is a poorly understood group of mental disorders that disrupt cognition and behavior. The precise neurological cause of schizophrenia is unknown and the development of better treatments are urgently needed. This research will provide a model to begin to address some of the underlying fundamental mechanisms involved.

Schizophrenia, which affects around 7 people in 1000, is a poorly understood group of mental disorders that disrupt cognition and behaviour. Common hallmarks include delusions, hallucinations, and difficulty perceiving reality.

The precise neurological cause of schizophrenia is unknown and the development of better treatments are urgently needed. This research will provide a model to begin to address some of the underlying fundamental mechanisms involved.

What scientists do know is that schizophrenia is associated with a pronounced change in the way the brain uses dopamine, the neurotransmitter often referred to as the brain’s ‘reward molecule’.

«In schizophrenia patients, dopamine signalling significantly increases in a brain region called the striatum,» explained Professor Darryl Eyles at UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute.

«It is thought that some of the symptoms relate to an elevated production and release of dopamine,» he said.

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