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Low Levels of Blood Pressure Protein May Indicate Treatment-Resistant Psychosis

Johns Hopkins researchers found preliminary evidence that a protein linked to blood pressure regulation might identify and possibly influence treatment-resistant schizophrenia and other psychoses.

NeoMD Editors · 2026-10-13 · 02:38 AM EDT

For information, not personal medical advice. Discuss treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.

The quick read

Key takeaways

Johns Hopkins researchers found lower levels of a blood pressure-regulating protein in individuals with treatment-resistant psychosis compared to those responsive to treatment.
The study suggests this protein might act as a biological marker for identifying patients less likely to benefit from current psychosis therapies.
The observational study does not establish causation, and further research is needed to understand the protein's role and potential therapeutic implications.

Editorial illustration for Low Levels of Blood Pressure Protein May Indicate Treatment-Resistant Psychosis — AI-generated editorial illustration.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have explored whether a protein connected to blood pressure control could serve as a marker for treatment-resistant psychosis, including schizophrenia. Their study, involving blood and spinal fluid samples from about 200 individuals, suggests a possible link between low levels of this protein and psychoses that do not respond to standard treatments.

What the Researchers Investigated

The protein in question has been widely studied for its role in regulating blood pressure. The Johns Hopkins team analyzed samples of both blood and cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, from people with psychotic disorders. Their goal was to see if the protein levels differed between those whose symptoms improved with treatment and those who experienced persistent, treatment-resistant psychosis.

Key Findings and What They Mean

Results showed that individuals with treatment-resistant forms of psychosis had lower amounts of this blood pressure-related protein compared to those whose symptoms responded to medication. This suggests the protein might serve as a biological marker to identify patients who are less likely to benefit from current therapies.

Supporting editorial illustration for Low Levels of Blood Pressure Protein May Indicate Treatment-Resistant Psychosis — AI-generated editorial illustration.

The study also raises the question of whether this protein plays a direct role in causing or worsening treatment resistance, although causation has not been established.

Limitations and What Is Still Unknown

It is important to note this research is preliminary. The study's observational nature means it cannot prove that low protein levels cause treatment resistance, only that they are associated. More research is needed to understand whether modifying the protein's levels could influence psychosis symptoms.

The sample size, though reasonable for early research, limits broad conclusions. Additionally, the study does not clarify whether this marker applies to all types of psychotic disorders or is specific to schizophrenia.

Possible Implications

If future studies confirm these findings, measuring this protein could help doctors identify patients less likely to respond to existing medications and potentially guide development of new therapies. However, at present, this protein measurement is not used in clinical practice for psychosis.

Source: Medical Xpress