A new Danish study suggests that a specific biomarker found in blood could help predict psychosis before symptoms become visible.
This breakthrough could pave the way for earlier detection and treatment of serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.
Psychosis Is Difficult to Detect Early
Psychosis often develops silently and is typically diagnosed only after symptoms have clearly appeared. That’s why biological tools are urgently needed to assist doctors in identifying it sooner.
Researchers Have Identified a Blood-Based Biomarker
Scientists have discovered elevated levels of a molecule called glycocalyx in the blood of individuals experiencing their first psychotic episode — a potential clue for earlier detection.
Glycocalyx Acts as the Brain’s Protective Shield
Glycocalyx is a thin layer of sugar and protein structures lining the inside of blood vessels. In the brain, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and protecting against harmful substances.
The Barrier May Weaken in Psychosis
The study found that patients with psychosis had more glycocalyx fragments in their bloodstream, suggesting that the protective layer may be breaking down — leaving the brain more vulnerable.
47 Patient Blood Samples Were Analyzed
Blood samples were collected from 47 patients during their first psychotic episode and compared with samples from 49 healthy individuals. None of the patients had received antipsychotic treatment yet.
Three Biomarkers Stood Out
Among 11 glycocalyx markers tested, three were significantly higher in psychosis patients, making them promising candidates for future diagnostic tools.
Machine Learning Predicted Psychosis with 81% Accuracy
Using AI, researchers trained models to distinguish between patients and healthy controls based solely on blood data. The model succeeded four out of five times.
The Method Isn’t Perfect — But It’s Promising
Although the system misclassified some healthy people as ill, the results are strong enough to support the biomarker’s potential when used alongside traditional clinical evaluations.
Early Detection Could Improve Outcomes
If this marker can be detected before the first episode, it might allow treatment to begin earlier, improving the long-term outlook for at-risk individuals.
Further Studies Are Underway
Researchers are now testing the biomarker in young people considered high-risk and combining it with brain scans to determine whether the blood-brain barrier is already compromised before full psychosis develops.
This article is based on information from Videnskab.dk