Neuronal dynamics and neuropsychiatric disorders: toward a translational paradigm for dysfunctional large-scale networks

Abstract

In recent years, numerous studies have tested the relevance of neural oscillations in neuropsychiatric conditions, highlighting the potential role of changes in temporal coordination as a pathophysiological mechanism in brain disorders. In the current review, we provide an update on this hypothesis because of the growing evidence that temporal coordination is essential for the context and goal-dependent, dynamic formation of large-scale cortical networks. We shall focus on issues that we consider particularly promising for a translational research program aimed at furthering our understanding of the origins of neuropsychiatric disorders and the development of effective therapies. We will focus on schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to highlight important issues and challenges for the implementation of such an approach. Specifically, we will argue that deficits in temporal coordination lead to a disruption of functional large-scale networks, which in turn can account for several specific dysfunctions associated with these disorders.