Understanding the Etiology and Treatment Approaches of Schizophrenia: Theoretical Perspectives and Their Critique

Abstract

This paper reviewed genetic, neurodevelopmental, and neurobiological perspectives to understand the etiology and relevant treatment approaches of schizophrenia. Although genetic and neurodevelopmental theories provide a substantial contribution to the etiology of schizophrenia, neurobiological one has its dominant stance in which it can explain causative mechanisms of schizophrenia, identify targets for treatment, and predict outcomes well. According to the neurobiology, onset and course of schizophrenia are well supported by the alterations in neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin. Based on this mechanism, antipsychotics have been widely used as one of the treatment approaches for schizophrenia. By following up the degree of patients' responses to antipsychotics, treatment outcomes could be evaluated or predicted. Although neurobiology seldom provides information about identification or prevention of risk factors about schizophrenia compared to genetic and neurodevelopmental approaches, it has well-established scientific foundations, ability to guide treatment, applicability across age and culture, and usefulness as a research framework.

A Mysterious Case of a 33-Year-Old Female Schizophrenic Patient Who Ingested a Kilogram of Metals: A Case Report

“…Schizophrenia is a severe chronic mental disorder [1] [2]. Globally, 20 million people are affected [1].…”

“…Common presenting complaints include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and negative symptoms such as diminished emotional expression, avolition, anhedonia, alogia, and asociality [2] [4]. Its peak of onset is in adolescence and early adulthood but rarely occurs in pre-school children [2] [5].…”

“…Schizophrenia is associated with considerable morbidity and overall poor quality of life as it may affect educational and occupational performance [1]. Likewise, people with schizophrenia are 2 -3 times more likely to die early than the general population [2]. Foreign body ingestion is also common among this population and this may be intentional or accidental [6] [7].…”