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Progress in research into the neurobiological bases of schizophrenia: A review and commentary

Schizophrenia is a severe, often disabling, and sometimes enduring psychiatric disorder. Ever since its characterisation as a mental illness at the beginning of this century, its nature, course and aetiology have been the subject of debate. As understanding of genetic mechanisms, brain biochemistry, and the relationship between brain structure and function has recently developed, researchers are now making considerable progress in their attempts to unravel some of the neurobiological factors of importance in the development, manifestation, and treatment of schizophrenia. Current research in three main areas of interest is described in this review paper. Findings from genetic research suggest that, in many cases, schizophrenia may have a neurodevelopmental origin, which is, in turn, influenced by genetic factors. Biochemical research indicates that disturbances to the functioning of several brain neurotransmitters may collectively contribute to the changes in behaviour that are identified as the signs and symptoms of the condition. Neuropsychological research reinforces the view that schizophrenia is not a unitary condition, and that disturbances to discrete networks of neurons may be responsible for different sub-types of the disorder.