A recent study conducted by researchers from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research has found a possible link between owning a cat and developing disorders related to schizophrenia. The study, which builds upon a 1995 study proposing a connection between cat ownership and mental health disorders, suggests that exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii may be the cause.
The analysis of 17 studies revealed a significant positive association between cat ownership and an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders. This is due to the fact that the parasite T. gondii can be transmitted through a bite or the faeces of an infected cat, potentially infiltrating the central nervous system and influencing neurotransmitters.
Individuals exposed to cats were found to have approximately twice the odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders, according to the research findings. However, it is important to note that most of the studies were case-control studies, meaning that cause and effect cannot be definitively proven, and many were of low quality.
The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive and high-quality research to better understand cat ownership as a potential risk factor for mental disorders. As such, further studies are needed to explore the potential connection between owning a cat and developing schizophrenia-related disorders.
This study sheds light on a possible correlation between cat ownership and mental health disorders, highlighting the importance of further research in this area. The findings may serve as a starting point for future investigations into the impact of cat ownership on mental well-being.
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