1. Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that has been referred to as you
th's greatest disabler. Although a number of hypotheses have been proposed
in an attempt to explain the pathophysiology of schizophrenia no single the
ory seems to account for all facets of the disease.
2. Each hypothesis explains some of the phenomena associated with schizophr
enia and it is probable that many variables described in these hypotheses i
nteract to produce a disorder characterized by heterogeneous symptomatology
, progression and prognosis.
3. Compelling evidence suggests that the primary disturbance is a neurodeve
lopmental abnormality, possibly resulting from a genetic defect(s), resulti
ng in a predisposition to schizophrenia.
4. Events later in life may then lead to the presentation of symptoms and a
subsequent progression of the disease.
5. Recent evidence suggests that the progressive course of schizophrenia is
associated with ongoing neurodegenerative processes.
6. Changes in brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may explain the vari
ous changes observed in schizophrenia.