TY - JOUR
T1 - Schizophrenia
T2 - A systemic disorder
AU - Kirkpatrick, Brian
AU - Miller, Brian J
AU - García-Rizo, Clemente
AU - Fernandez-Egea, Emilio
PY - 2014/7
Y1 - 2014/7
N2 - The concept of schizophrenia that is most widely taught is that it is a disorder in which psychotic symptoms are the main problem, and a dysregulation of dopamine signaling is the main feature of pathophysiology. However, this concept limits clinical assessment, the treatments offered to patients, research, and the development of therapeutics. A more appropriate conceptual model is that: 1) schizophrenia is not a psychotic disorder, but a disorder of essentially every brain function in which psychosis is present; 2) it is not a brain disease, but a disorder with impairments throughout the body; 3) for many patients, neuropsychiatric problems other than psychosis contribute more to impairment in function and quality of life than does psychosis; and, 4) some conditions that are considered to be comorbid are integral parts of the illness. In conclusion, students, patients, and family members should be taught this model, along with its implications for assessment, research, and therapeutics.
AB - The concept of schizophrenia that is most widely taught is that it is a disorder in which psychotic symptoms are the main problem, and a dysregulation of dopamine signaling is the main feature of pathophysiology. However, this concept limits clinical assessment, the treatments offered to patients, research, and the development of therapeutics. A more appropriate conceptual model is that: 1) schizophrenia is not a psychotic disorder, but a disorder of essentially every brain function in which psychosis is present; 2) it is not a brain disease, but a disorder with impairments throughout the body; 3) for many patients, neuropsychiatric problems other than psychosis contribute more to impairment in function and quality of life than does psychosis; and, 4) some conditions that are considered to be comorbid are integral parts of the illness. In conclusion, students, patients, and family members should be taught this model, along with its implications for assessment, research, and therapeutics.
KW - Dopamine
KW - Endophenotype
KW - Neurodevelopment
KW - Psychosis
KW - Schizophrenia
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U2 - 10.3371/CSRP.KIMI.031513
DO - 10.3371/CSRP.KIMI.031513
M3 - Review article
C2 - 23518782
AN - SCOPUS:84905023530
SN - 1935-1232
VL - 8
SP - 73
EP - 79
JO - Clinical Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses
JF - Clinical Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses
IS - 2
ER -