Mysterious โLink Between Cat โขOwnership and Schizophrenia Risk Identified in New Research
PARIS – A โnew analysis of existing research suggests a potential connection between cat ownership and anโ increasedโค risk of schizophrenia, though scientists emphasize correlation does not equalโ causation and further inquiry is crucial. The Australian study, highlighted โby Futura Sciences, reveals an intriguing, yet complex โฃrelationship, โขprompting researchers toโ explore potential biological and environmental factors at play.
The review found inconsistent results across studies, with varying levels of quality. A critical period of exposure appears to be between 9 and 12 years old, though โthis remains poorly defined.โค While an American study of 354 psychology students found no direct link between cat ownership and schizotypy scores – a personality trait associatedโค withโค schizophrenia – it did โขreveal higher scores on certain psychological scales among those who had been bitten by a cat.
Researchers have long considered Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite commonly found โขin cat feces – as a potential culprit. Though, the new analysis points to other possible pathogens,โ including Pasteurella multocida, โa bacteria presentโ in cat saliva, as potentially influencing psychological factors.
Study authors cautionโ against โขunwarranted alarm, โstressing the need for large-scale, high-quality research to better understand the underlying mechanisms. They recommend future โstudies focus on: representative samples, a deeper understanding of potential mechanisms, and exploration of other environmental โขfactors impacting mental health.
This research underscores the complex interplay between our surroundings, animal companions, andโข mental wellbeing, opening new avenuesโข for medical investigation.
