In breakthrough, Israeli scientists use deep-brain stimulation to counter schizophrenia

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-breakthrough-israeli-scientists-use-deep-brain-stimulation-to-counter-schizophrenia/

In a breakthrough study, Israeli scientists say they have developed a novel deep brain stimulation approach for patients with schizophrenia. This therapy for the severe chronic mental disorder could restore functions that control movement, learning and decision-making.

“A problem we have with many psychiatric diseases is that we define them by the symptoms,” Asch, 44, told The Times of Israel. “In our paper, we provide a clear theory about what is happening on a mechanical level in the brain, and also a way to solve it.”

In schizophrenia, this process breaks down. Patients suffer from “cognitive inflexibility,” finding it “extremely difficult to change their internal model even when the world around them changes.”

“They are kind of stuck in their own model,” Asch said. “The input is there, but they don’t relate.”