Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

CYP2D6 Gene May Contribute to Persistent Negative Symptoms

The polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene creates enzymes which affect the metabolism of some antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and chemotherapy medications. Although variations in this gene have been implicated in exacerbating extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in patients on long-term treatment with antipsychotic medications, the evidence to date has been inconclusive.

While further studying the gene's possible impact on EPS, scientists in Slovenia evaluated a small group of outpatients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, stable, and on long-term maintenance therapy. Although they did not find an impact of the CYP2D6 gene on EPS, they did find a possible correlation between that gene and persistent negative symptoms.

Link to original article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology: "The influence of the CYP2D6 polymorphism on psychopathological and extrapyramidal symptoms in the patients on long-term antipsychotic treatment"

Additional Reading about the polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) gene:

• Gene Test to Determine Med Doses
• Gene identified that could Help Schizophrenia Treatment