For the first time: Researchers discover genetic origins for one of the most controversial mental health diagnoses
A new study may pave the way for innovative treatments for borderline personality disorder; Ichilov Hospital unveils a new non-profit incubator for health startups; and an Israeli project wins a European award. This week in biomed.
First evidence of genetic origins for a controversial mental health diagnosis
A paper published earlier this month in the journal "Nature Genetics" has identified, for the first time, a genetic factor for borderline personality disorder. This diagnosis is often called the "trash can" of disorders, with the claim that it is given (mainly to women) when there is no other clear diagnosis for their condition.
The new study is a significant development, as it indicates that it is not, after all, a "catch-all" for residual diagnoses, and it opens the door to the possibility of biological intervention in the future.
Today, about 1% of the US population is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, with over-representation (10%–20%) among those hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. According to Ministry of Health data, the figures in Israel are similar.
Borderline personality disorder is characterized, among other things, by difficulties in interpersonal relationships, including intense and unstable connections, impulsivity, low self-image, fear of abandonment, and mood swings. Sometimes it also includes fits of rage and self-harm. According to research literature, women suffer from it three times more frequently than men, although recent studies argue that the difference is likely smaller.
The disorder usually begins in late adolescence, peaks at age 20-30, and later, improvement occurs in some of those diagnosed. The disorder is often linked to post-traumatic stress syndrome, appears alongside addictions, depression, psychotic or dissociative episodes, and eating disorders, and is one of the conditions with a high risk of suicide.
The tool for treating the disorder today is mainly talk therapy. Sometimes medications are given to treat accompanying conditions, such as depression, but to date, no specific medication has been developed for borderline personality disorder.
Studies from recent years have shown a higher risk of developing the disorder in families where one of the members has already been diagnosed with it, and the assessment was that it is a meeting between genetic predisposition and difficult life circumstances. The new paper, led by Fabian Streit from the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, and with the participation of dozens of other researchers, has found real evidence in genetics.
The study examined 6 million genetic markers in 12,339 people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and compared them to about a million people without the disorder. Initially, six loci on the genome were identified that appeared different between the two groups. The researchers looked for these differences in an additional group of 685 people with the disorder versus 107,000 without it, and the test in this group confirmed the findings. In the combination of the two groups, five more loci with differences were found, and now they must be confirmed again against another group.
According to the researchers, about 17% of the differences between the groups can be explained by genetics, meaning that even identifying the genetic basis leaves a lot of room for the influence of life circumstances or other factors that we do not understand today.
Students at Reichman University will practice on patients created by AI
A system developed by the Israeli company MedBar will simulate human patients for students at the new Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University.
The system will replace classic case descriptions with a simulated conversation with a fictitious patient and will track how the future doctor questions the patient, collects information, and makes decisions along the way. The students will receive feedback on how they acted throughout the process. The system will be used for the first time in the nervous system and mental health course.
MedBar, which operates under the radar, was founded by Dr. Shahar Sheli from Rambam Hospital and develops decision support systems in medicine.
Ichilov launches a non-profit accelerator
Ichilov Hospital announced the launch of an accelerator that will invest tens of thousands of shekels in companies, without receiving payment or shares in the company. According to the hospital, the goal is to strengthen the health and biomed ecosystem in Israel and encourage startups to work with Israeli hospitals.
The accelerator was established as part of I-Next Data, Ichilov's information and artificial intelligence department. According to Or Kamara, the Chief Technology Officer, and Yoav Fisher, who leads the program: "Some startups in Israel skip early work with local hospitals. We meet entrepreneurs with exceptional technological capabilities, but without direct access to the environment where their solution is supposed to operate."
To prepare the startups for the international market as well, the accelerator is expected to connect the companies with an international network of mentors and experts from hospitals and health organizations around the world.
The program is open to startups that apply artificial intelligence in the field of health, including companies at a very early stage, provided that they have correctly identified a burning need in the system.
The first cycle, which operated under the radar, included four startups. Among the technologies they are developing: personalization of treatment for children with chronic diseases, games for treating common neurological disorders, and a product for monitoring and managing chronic pain. These days, the second cycle is beginning, which includes three additional companies.
Recognition for an Israeli project in the field of public health
Prof. Nadav Davidovitch, director of the Center for Health Policy and Social Impact at Bar-Ilan University, won last Friday the outstanding project award from the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region.
The award was given to him for leading an information-sharing project that was funded with 900,000 euros as part of the European Union's ERASMUS+ program, for sharing knowledge from European academia with institutions dealing with public health in Israel.
The award citation stated: "The project constitutes an exemplary model of good global practice and reality-changing impact."
