PhD Defence Bernardo Luís de Melo Moura

Keywords: Psychosis, motor, cognition, network analysis 
 

"Mind in Motion: Untangling Motor and Cognitive Domains in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder"

This thesis explored the overlooked connection between motor and cognitive changes in psychosis using innovative research methods. One part of the thesis applied a cutting-edge “symptom network” approach — much like a subway map — to analyze a large patient database. This revealed how motor and cognitive symptoms interact with other aspects of the disorder, with some acting as key intersections that possibly influenced overall mental health. 

Another part used mobile health technology to track young people with a recent psychosis diagnosis in real time. Through smartphone-based assessments, it measured motor skills and attention with both practical tests and personal reports. Findings showed that attention difficulties were linked to greater feelings of depression, highlighting the emotional impact of these struggles in daily life. 

By uncovering these hidden dimensions, this research paves the way for better treatments and more personalized care, ensuring support is attuned to the real-life experiences of those affected. 

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