Schizophrenia: etiology and course.

Full Abstract

Decades of research on schizophrenia have not produced major breakthroughs, but gradual progress has been made in identifying risk factors and clarifying the nature of the etiologic process. This article provides an overview of trends in research findings as well as current assumptions about the interplay between environmental and genetic factors in the etiology of schizophrenia. Based on the cumulative findings, it appears that both genetic and prenatal factors can give rise to constitutional vulnerability. Subsequent neuromaturational processes, especially those that occur during adolescence, and exposure to stressful events can trigger the behavioral expression of this vulnerability.

Author information

Author/s: Walker, Elaine (E); Kestler, Lisa (L); Bollini, Annie (A); Hochman, Karen M (KM);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. psyefw(-atsign-)emory.edu,

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Annual review of psychology (Annu Rev Psychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-; vol 55 (issue ) : pp 401-30

Dates: Created 2004/01/27; Completed 2004/04/14; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 14744221, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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