Elucidating the pathogenesis of schizophrenia

摘要

Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia is evident from family, twin, and adoption studies. But whereas genetic factors contribute to the fundamental mechanisms or vulnerability to schizophrenia, additional influences including environmental factors are clearly involved in the full manifestation of symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus currently schizophrenia is best conceptualised as a "multiple hit" illness similar to cancer. This editorial looks at the fundamental mechanisms underlying the disease. The following evidence implies that neurodevelop-mental abnormalities contribute to susceptibility to schizophrenia. Firstly, clinical studies show that patients with schizophrenia manifest minor behavioural abnormalities in childhood even before the onset of schizophrenia.