Schizophrenia Aetiology and Drug Therapy: A Tale of Progressive Demystification and Strides in Management

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating and complex neuropsychiatric disorder which is known to be characterised by impairments in perception of reality, cognition, interpersonal relationships, mood and social/work function; and influenced by genes and the environment. Our understanding of the aetiology of schizophrenia and theories seeking to explain the accompanying changes in brain chemistry and structure has continued to undergo revisions, largely due to new insights from preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we discuss the evolution of our understanding of schizophrenia aetiopathogenesis as it relates to disease phenotype, symptom management and drug discovery. We also examine the important roles played by interactions between brain neurotransmitters and their receptors in disease expression and symptom management; and discuss how newer chapters in the management of the disease are being opened through the development and identification of newer disease-modifying and modulating agents.