Neurobiology of early psychosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neurobiological studies of the early course of psychoses, such as schizophrenia, allow investigation of pathophysiology without the confounds of illness chronicity and treatment. AIMS: To review the recent literature on the biology of the early course of psychoses. METHOD: We carried out a critical appraisal of the recent findings in the neurobiology of early psychoses, using structural, functional and neurochemical imaging techniques. RESULTS: Brain structural alterations are present early in the illness and may predate symptom onset. Some changes, notably those in frontal and temporal lobes, can progress during the early phases of the illness. Functional and neurochemical brain..