Schizophrenia, a neurodegenerative disorder with neurodevelopmental antecedents

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that has been referred to as youth's greatest disabler. Although a number of hypotheses have been proposed in an attempt to explain the pathophysiology of schizophrenia no single theory seems to account for all facets of the disease. Each hypothesis explains some of the phenomena associated with schizophrenia and it is probable that many variables described in these hypotheses interact to produce a disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptomatology, progression and prognosis. Compelling evidence suggests that the primary disturbance is a neurodevelopmental abnormality, possibly resulting from a genetic defect(s), resulting in a predisposition to schizophrenia. Events later in life may then lead to the presentation of symptoms and a subsequent progression of the disease. Recent evidence suggests that the progressive course of schizophrenia is associated with ongoing neurodegenerative processes. Changes in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may explain the various changes observed in schizophrenia.