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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Eye-Tracking Control to Assess Cognitive Functions in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: October 13, 2016
Psychiatric disorders in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a short note
1Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria. kurt.jellinger@univie.ac.at.
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is increasingly linked to psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Genetic factors, like the C9orf72 gene expansion, show significant correlations with these non-motor symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) traditionally viewed as a motor neuron disorder.
- Growing evidence links ALS with psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.
- These non-motor symptoms can precede or co-occur with motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the association between ALS and psychiatric disorders, focusing on schizophrenia.
- Explore the role of the C9orf72 gene expansion in this comorbidity.
- Understand the neurobiological underpinnings of these linked conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic correlations between ALS and schizophrenia.
- Examination of polygenic risk scores in affected individuals.
- Correlation of psychotic symptoms with brain atrophy patterns in C9orf72 carriers.
Main Results:
- A substantial genetic correlation (14.3%) exists between ALS and schizophrenia.
- The C9orf72 gene expansion is linked to psychiatric disorders.
- Psychotic symptoms in C9orf72 carriers correlate with widespread brain atrophy.
Conclusions:
- The link between ALS and schizophrenia is supported by genetic evidence, particularly involving C9orf72.
- Neuronal network disruptions may underlie the comorbidity of ALS and psychiatric conditions.
- Further research is needed to clarify psychiatric risks in C9orf72 kindreds for clinical guidance.
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