Update on Neurodevelopment and Schizophrenia

Authors: Anna Comparelli*

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000120

Volume 3, Issue 1

Abstract

In the last two decades, neuroscientific studies have focused on the "previous" of the psychosis, particularly of schizophrenia. Abnormal maturation of brain structures have been widely held to underlie schizophrenia. Early and late developmental processes are involved. Such a stepwise developmental pathophysiology of the illness may result from several factors playing a role singly, or in combination. In recent years, 108 schizophrenia-associated genetic loci that may predispose to neurodevelopmental alteration have been disclosed by the genome-wide association studies (GWAS); there are considerable, common polymorphisms overlapping with autism and bipolar disorder, suggesting the idea of a spectrum. Further research is needed to clarify whether childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and adult psychiatric disorders lie on a neurodevelopmental continuum or spectrum.

Keywords: neurodevelopmental; psychiatric disorders;

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