The Clinical Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Bioethics of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) are participating in the international large-scale Horizon Europe project VOLABIOS with the mission to improve the early diagnosis of schizophrenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project aims to develop a better understanding of the molecular brain and body changes in schizophrenia and to apply this knowledge to the improvement of the diagnosis of schizophrenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project employs Multi-Omics approaches integrating genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Volatolomics analyses the exhaled air and other emitted body fluids using advanced mobile spectroscopy technology. Artificial intelligence algorithms will be used to increase the accuracy of the analysis of the results, enabling better identification of disease-specific molecular changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis project aims to significantly improve the early diagnosis and prevention of schizophrenia by using innovative biomarkers obtained from human body fluids. The project aims to develop a robust set of diagnostic tools to help detect schizophrenia more accurately and quickly in its early stages. The project aims to reduce the diagnostic error by at least 30 percent, thus ensuring that the disease is detected as early as possible and that patients have timely access to appropriate treatment,\u201d says Jonas Montvidas, psychiatrist and PhD student at the Clinical Department of Psychiatry at LSMU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He adds that this will contribute to more enhanced treatment, better quality of life for patients and more effective long-term disease monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis project marks an important step towards personalised medicine, which not only allows for a more accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia, but also for more effective monitoring of patients\u2019 condition and individualised treatment solutions,\u201d says the representative of the Clinical Department of Psychiatry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project will last 4.5 years (54 months) and will take place in several phases. It will involve a wide range of specialists from the University: psychiatrists, bioethicists, clinical research specialists, and an administrative team. Currently, activities under the project have already been undertaken by Prof. Virginija Adomaitien\u0117, Prof. Darius Leskauskas, PhD student Jonas Montvidas, Prof. Dainius Pavalkis, Prof. Gvidas Urbonas, and Dr. Dovil\u0117 U\u017edavinyt\u0117.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early Diagnosis Improves Treatment Outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the world\u2019s population. The onset of this life-long chronic illness usually takes place at a young age and causes disability as it progresses. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), schizophrenia is one of the world\u2019s most economically challenging mental disorders and one of the most disruptive to patients\u2019 quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early diagnosis and early treatment of this disease can lead to better outcomes, including better disease control, lower costs for the healthcare system, and better quality of life for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne of the main advantages of an early diagnosis is that is enables quick response to the first signs of disease, which are often non-specific. These may include reduced interest in activities, withdrawal from social settings, lack of energy, intrusive thoughts, or fears. As these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, early and accurate diagnosis can help distinguish schizophrenia from other mental health disorders,\u201d says J. Montvidas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the participant of the project, currently, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is largely based on clinical assessment, which depends on the psychiatrist\u2019s expertise. Due to the subjective nature, this approach can lead to inconsistencies and errors in assessment. The VOLABIOS project aims to overcome these challenges by exploring the objective molecular biomarkers that would allow for a more accurate early detection of schizophrenia based on body fluid analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis innovative approach will reduce the influence of clinical experience on diagnostic results, allow for a more objective assessment of the patient’s condition and increase diagnostic accuracy by around 30%. This advancement will not only make the work of psychiatrists easier, but will also give patients more hope of living a full life despite their illness,\u201d says the psychiatrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits for both the University and Patients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to J. Montvidas, PhD student at the LSMU Clinical Department of Psychiatry, participation in the project will enable the University to become a leading institution in the field of schizophrenia research in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoining the consortium of 18 partners from 11 European countries will help strengthen our scientific collaboration with leading researchers and innovators in the field. This will not only increase the international recognition of the University, but will also contribute to the development of new knowledge and its practical application at the clinical department.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, the Clinical Department of Psychiatry will have new opportunities to expand its activities, to apply the most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, and to actively contribute to modern priority research in schizophrenia. The Clinical Department will be building its capacity not only by participating in the clinical part of the project, but also by developing a new infrastructure of living labs<\/em>. These labs will become spaces where patients can participate directly in the process of development and testing of innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For patients, this project will mean better access to early detection, more accurate diagnosis, and the latest, more effective treatments. In addition, the living labs<\/em> will engage patients in the treatment and research processes, enabling them to see themselves as active participants in the changes. This will contribute to a better psychological well-being and greater confidence in the treatment methods used.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Clinical Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Bioethics of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) are participating in the international large-scale Horizon Europe project VOLABIOS with the mission to improve the early diagnosis of schizophrenia. The project aims to develop a better understanding of the molecular brain and body changes in schizophrenia […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":103478,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n