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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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A Rhodopsin Transport Assay by High-Content Imaging Analysis
Published on: January 16, 2019
Retinitis pigmentosa and schizophrenia
C McDonald1, P Kenna, T Larkin
1Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, de Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF UK; St John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
This study reports on schizophrenia and delusional disorder in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Potential links include genetics, sensory deprivation, brain disease, and retinoid issues, guiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Previous literature suggests a link between schizophrenia and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
- RP is a group of inherited eye diseases causing vision impairment.
- Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases of schizophrenia and delusional disorder in patients with RP.
- To explore potential reasons for an association between RP and schizophrenia.
- To guide future research into the etiology of these disorders.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing four patients.
- Review of literature on potential associations.
- Exploration of etiological factors.
Main Results:
- Two cases of schizophrenia and two cases of delusional disorder were observed in patients with RP.
- Potential etiological factors discussed include shared genetic predisposition, sensory deprivation, coarse brain disease, and retinoid dysregulation.
Conclusions:
- An association between RP and schizophrenia may exist.
- Further research into neurochemistry and medical genetics is warranted.
- Awareness of this association can inform future etiological studies.
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