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The research evidence for schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder
Author(s) -
Rund Bjorn Rishovd
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/sjop.12414
Subject(s) - neurocognitive , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychology , cognition , schizophrenia research , cognitive psychology , psychiatry , clinical psychology
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts very early. In this review we describe the empirical evidence for the neurodevelopmental model. First, by outlining the roots of psychological research that laid the foundation of the model. Thereafter, describing cognitive dysfunction observed in schizophrenia, and the course of cognitive functioning in the illness. Then, research findings that speak for and studies that speak against the view that schizophrenia is a degenerative process is discussed. We find that there is ample evidence that cognitive disturbance is a core element in schizophrenia. However, we have limited understanding of what initiates the abnormal development. This the paper ends with pointing out some of the factors that may trigger the deviant neurocognitive development in schizophrenia.