Auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia are linked to overactivity and hyperconnectivity in the default mode network and reduced anticorrelation with the central executive network. Patients were trained with real-time fMRI neurofeedback and meditation strategies to modulate these networks. The intervention reduced default mode network hyperconnectivity and increased anticorrelation between the default mode and central executive networks. Changes in individual default mode network connectivity correlated with reductions in auditory hallucination frequency and severity. This provides the first empirical evidence that meditation-enhanced neurofeedback can directly alter resting state network activity and reduce auditory hallucinations.
Silymarin, a polyphenolic flavonoid with neuroprotective functions, prevented and reversed schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice given ketamine, an NMDA antagonist that induces neurochemical dysregulation, neuroimmune stress, and oxidative stress. In a preventive-reversal model, silymarin (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced ketamine-induced increases in dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, and nitrite in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. It improved hyperlocomotion, stereotypy, memory, and social impairments without causing catalepsy. Silymarin also lowered inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6) and normalized decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide-dismutase levels. The antipsychotic effect may involve normalization of neurochemical and neurotrophic changes.