Biological Markers for Outcome and Recovery in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Diagnosis, evaluating symptom changes, and prognosis in schizophrenia are primarily based on complete history, structured interviews, and rating scales. Biomarkers are objectively measured indicators of normal biological or pathological processes which might indicate the presence and severity of an illness. Though the evidence for its clinical utility in predicting outcome and recovery in schizophrenia is still in its infancy, it is worthwhile to review available markers to enhance the understanding of this heterogeneous disorder. In this chapter we attempt to consolidate various clinical, neurochemical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging, neurocognitive, and inflammatory markers that are shown to be associated with illness presentation, symptom severity, and outcome in schizophrenia. Combining cost-effective, multimodal, clinically meaningful markers looks like a promising way forward toward individualized medicine.