Toward recovery in schizophrenia: Current concepts, findings, and future research directions

Abstract

Schizophrenia was initially defined as “dementia praecox” by E. Kraepelin, which implies progressive deterioration. However, recent studies have revealed that early effective intervention may lead to social and functional recovery in schizophrenia. In this review, we provide an overview of current concepts in schizophrenia and pathophysiological hypotheses. In addition, we present recent findings from clinical and basic research on schizophrenia. Recent neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies have consistently revealed specific biological differences in the structure and function of the brain in those with schizophrenia. From a basic research perspective, to determine the essential pathophysiology underlying schizophrenia, it is crucial that findings from all lines of inquiry—induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived neural cells from patients, murine models expressing genetic mutations identified in patients, and patient clinical data—be integrated to contextualize the analysis results. However, the findings remain insufficient to serve as a diagnostic tool or a biomarker for predicting schizophrenia‐related outcomes. Collaborations to conduct clinical research based on the patients' and their families' values are just beginning, and further development is expected.

The effect of ketamine on eye movement characteristics during free-viewing of natural images in common marmosets

“…The experimental protocol developed here can be used in various neuroscientific studies on animals to provide fundamental insight into pathophysiology. Based on the findings from animal studies, new, effective eye tracking tests could be created for the early diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia ( Onitsuka et al, 2022a ). In addition, research with non-human primates can suggest effective pharmacological manipulation strategies and targets, which can facilitate drug development and consequently contribute to psychiatry.…”

Mask‐induced ear injury in schizophrenia: A novel complication in the COVID‐19 era

“…2 Therefore, the consequences of burnout are not negligible because of the direct repercussions on the patient and the population: a decrease in the quality of care, an increase in medical errors, a decrease in caregiver productivity and patient satisfaction. 8 What happens when the roles are reversed, and the professional plays the role of the patient because of the physical and mental repercussions of burnout? It is unfortunate that decisions about mass offloading or closing rural emergency departments have to be made.…”

“…7 Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia cause difficulty in solving daily life problems as well. 8 These factors may increase the risk of mask‐induced ear injuries in patients with schizophrenia. If the patient had lived alone and no one had checked regularly, the ear injuries might have been worse.…”

Editorial: Prognostic imaging biomarkers in psychotic disorders

“…Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, predominantly occur in late adolescence and early adulthood and can affect social functioning of patients throughout their lifetime ( 1 , 2 ). Given that patients with psychotic disorders exhibit diverse clinical courses, such as their clinical symptoms easily disappearing, fluctuating, or persisting without treatment response ( 3 ), psychotic disorders may be not a unitary disease but rather a heterogeneous collection of syndromes.…”

“…Substantial biological research in psychotic disorders using molecular, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging measurements has demonstrated that neurobiological abnormalities are likely present at illness onset and before onset ( 4 – 10 ), and that distinct patterns of neurobiological changes are mixed within psychotic disorders ( 11 , 12 ). Such neurobiological heterogeneity may represent different subsequent clinical courses and functional outcomes ( 2 , 13 – 16 ).…”