TITLE:
Understanding the Etiology and Treatment Approaches of Schizophrenia: Theoretical Perspectives and Their Critique
AUTHORS:
Minjeong Kim
KEYWORDS:
Schizophrenia, Theory, Neurobiology
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.6 No.4,
October
24,
2016
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.