Decoding psychosis: from national genome project to national brain project

Abstract

The mind has puzzled humans for centuries, and its disorders, such as psychoses, have caused tremendous difficulties. However, relatively recent biotechnological breakthroughs, such as DNA technology and neuroimaging, have empowered scientists to explore the more fundamental aspects of psychosis. From searching for psychosis-causing genes to imaging the depths of the brain, scientists worldwide seek novel methods to understand the mind and the causes of its disorders. This article will briefly review the history of understanding and managing psychosis and the main findings of modern genetic research and then attempt to stimulate thought for decoding the biological mechanisms of psychosis in the present era of brain science.