Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Despite its high heritability, a large fraction of individuals with schizophrenia do not have a family history of the disease (sporadic cases). We examined the possibility that rare de novo protein-altering mutations contribute to the genetic component of schizophrenia. Our analyses suggest a major role for de novo mutations in schizophrenia as well as a large mutational target which together provide a plausible explanation for the high global incidence and persistence of the disease.
Contact person: Prof JL Roos.
A research project was done at Weskoppies Hospital over the last few years to evaluate and improve the clinical service and quality of care for the long term psychiatric in-patients. Four Research articles have now been published from this project, with respect to risk factors for violence, attendance at occupational therapy, screening for physical health problems, and factors influencing successful placement. A further research focus has been HIV in psychiatry: Three articles are currently in press concerning the prevalence of and screening for HIV sero-positivity, as well as HIV-related knowledge and risk behaviour for contracting HIV among adult psychiatric patients in Weskoppies Hospital.
Contact person: Prof C Krüger.
Contact person: Dr A Abrie.
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