In a new interview, Harvard Medical School's Dr. Bruce M. Cohen discusses how disruptions in brain cell energy production may underlie major psychiatric disorders. His research using induced pluripotent stem cells reveals metabolic defects in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The findings advocate for a shift toward biology-based diagnostics and preventive treatments.
Dr. Bruce M. Cohen, the Robertson-Steele Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean Hospital, shared insights from nearly fifty years of work in an interview published on October 14, 2025, by Genomic Press in Genomic Psychiatry. His laboratory has pioneered techniques to grow living brain cells from patient samples using induced pluripotent stem cell technology. "Giving us leads we did not have forty years ago," Cohen noted, highlighting how these methods identify disruptions in cellular energy metabolism and cell connections central to psychiatric illnesses.
Studies from Cohen's team show that brain cells derived from individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or Alzheimer disease exhibit intrinsic metabolic defects. These findings challenge traditional views focused on neurotransmitter imbalances, emphasizing the brain's heavy reliance on precise energy production. With over 400 scientific papers and five patents, Cohen's work suggests targeted treatments could correct these issues even before symptoms appear, promoting prevention worldwide.
Cohen advocates abandoning rigid categorical diagnostics, like the term "schizophrenia," in favor of a dimensional approach based on symptom profiles. This evidence-based model better captures illness complexity, reduces stigma, and aligns with clinical practice, potentially improving outcomes across diverse healthcare systems. He argues it respects local contexts while offering universal applicability.
From 1997 to 2005, Cohen served as McLean Hospital's President and Psychiatrist-in-Chief, reversing financial decline and establishing over 30 new programs, including the peer-run Waverley Place center. His personal journey, influenced by early interests in physics and patient interactions, underscores perseverance in science. Married for more than 55 years, Cohen credits family support for his career. Looking ahead, he focuses on early interventions using genomic analysis and cellular modeling to address vulnerabilities in psychotic disorders and dementia.