Schizophrenia: The Ambiguous Mechanism behind the Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35516/jjps.v15i2.323Keywords:
Antipsychotic, disability, hypotheses, mechanisms, schizophreniaAbstract
Background: Schizophrenia is considered one of the top 10 conditions that cause disability worldwide. Regardless of its low prevalence, it negatively impacts the quality of life not only for patients but also for families and society. The present antipsychotic therapies provide relief only for the positive symptoms, but they do not improve the negative or cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Extensive research is being conducted to discover new medications that can treat or prevent the illness. This can only be achieved by fully understanding the underlying mechanism behind the illness.
Methods: Four hypotheses which explain the possible mechanisms that might be involved in the development of schizophrenia have been discussed in this review. The effect of vitamin D and iron deficiencies, infection, and paternal age on the development of schizophrenia in the offspring were also reviewed, in addition, to the demonstration some of the clinical studies and their outcomes.
Results: The exact cause of schizophrenia is still not fully known. The disease might develop as a result of neurotransmitter dysfunction, receptor hypofunction, environmental factors, or other factors which might play a role in the etiology and course of schizophrenia.
Conclusion: All these factors which might be involved in the development of the illness are required to be investigated in order to provide new hope for people suffering from schizophrenia. Numerous studies are in progress to find the exact pathophysiology of the disease, but despite such progress, there are still many questions are required to be answered in order to assist us in developing the appropriate therapy for treating the illness.
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