CHILDHOOD-ONSET SCHIZOPHRENIA - TIMELY NEUROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Objective: To review timely research on childhood-onset schizophrenia in view of advances in biological research on, and neurodevelopmental theories of, the later-onset disorder. Method: Research issues are out lined including further clarification of ICD- and DSM-defined childhoo d schizophrenia, and differentiation from autism ''spectrum'' and othe r subtle, chronic developmental disorders. Key neurobiological advance s are reviewed for which child studies are relevant and feasible. Conc lusion: It is anticipated that narrowly defined childhood-onset schizo phrenics will constitute a predominately male population. A high rate of family illness or chromosomal and/or brain developmental abnormalit ies, which will be instructive regarding the pathophysiology of later- onset schizophrenia, is expected.