Genetics and etiopathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is one of the most common, devastating, and least understood neuropsychiatric illnesses present in the human population. Despite decades of research involving neurochemical, neuroanatomical, neuropathologic, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, and genetic approaches, no clear etiopathophysiology has been elucidated. Among the most robust findings, however, is the contribution of genetics to disease development. Statistical models suggest that susceptibility to the disorder is governed by the effects of multiple genes, coupled with environmental and stochastic factors. This review briefly summarizes recent etiopathologic findings and hypotheses, with special attention to genetics.
Sobell
Janet L
JL
Division of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, Calif, USA.
Mikesell
Marci J
MJ
McMurray
Cynthia T
CT
D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D015870:Gene Expression; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology