Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review of Etiopathogenetic, Diagnostic and Treatment Aspects

Although schizophrenia is currently conceptualized as being characterized as a syndrome that includes a collection of signs and symptoms, there is strong evidence of heterogeneous and complex underpinned etiological, etiopathogenetic, and psychopathological mechanisms, which are still under investigation. Therefore, the present viewpoint review is aimed at providing some insights into the recently investigated schizophrenia research fields in order to discuss the potential future research directions in schizophrenia research. The traditional schizophrenia construct and diagnosis were progressively revised and revisited, based on the recently emerging neurobiological, genetic, and epidemiological research. Moreover, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are pointed to build a new construct, allowing the development of better clinical and treatment outcomes and characterization for schizophrenic individuals, considering a more patient-centered, personalized, and tailored-based dimensional approach. Further translational studies are needed in order to integrate neurobiological, genetic, and environmental studies into clinical practice and to help clinicians and researchers to understand how to redesign a new schizophrenia construct.

Automated summary

Schizophrenia is a complex and heterogeneous disease with diverse etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms. Recent research in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology has led to revisions in the traditional construct and diagnosis of schizophrenia. Innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches aim to improve clinical outcomes and personalized treatment for individuals with schizophrenia.