Current neurobiological research in early onset schizophrenia

Description

Schizophrenia is an invalidating disorder usually with an onset during adolescence or young adulthood and tending to persist throughout life. Both cognitive and emotional dysfunctions may be found in schizophrenic patients determining severe psychosocial impairment. The present chapter aimed to provide a critical overview about early onset schizophrenia and new neurobiological advances in this field of research. The recognition of a biological vulnerability contributing to the development of the illness using genetic and clinical at-risk approach with the latter targeting at the identification of prodromal symptoms and behaviours is crucial. The paradigm of early intervention is focused on the early identification of people considered as at risk mental state (ARMS) and of subjects with ultra high risk criteria (UHR) to develop the illness. Also, the chapter focused on recent neurobiological advances in detecting possible markers of vulnerability resulting from findings of neuroimaging and genetic studies in early onset schizophrenia samples. Both structural and functional neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the presence of some brain abnormalities in early onset schizophrenia subjects; however, whether their appearance and their differential location can be considered predictive of poor outcome and more frequent transition to psychosis in specific subgroups of patients is still a matter of debate. Most studies were limited by the absence of longitudinal studies assessing neuroprogression due to small samples and less short or infrequent follow-up periods. Finally, this chapter presents an update about psychopharmacological treatment in early onset schizophrenia. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Additional details