This is the title of a paper published today with co-authors Arundhati Nagendra (from the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance), Raquel Mesholam-Gately and Macherey Keshavan (both in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School). The gist is here:
background
Schizophrenia has traditionally been classified as a serious mental illness (SMI), with an emphasis on longevity and disability. However, growing evidence supports that it also reflects features of neurodevelopmental syndromes, highlighting a diverse spectrum of disruptions and trajectories in early brain development.
Objective
This paper proposes to expand the conceptualization of schizophrenia as both an SMI and a neurodevelopmental syndrome.
methods
We review the biological, clinical, and epidemiological evidence supporting neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia. We then propose a three-pronged strategy for implementing this reframing: (i) reclassification in ICD-11 and DSM-5 as neurodevelopmental syndromes; (ii) changing the name to reflect established and evolving scientific evidence; and (iii) reshaping social narratives so that schizophrenia is understood as a developmental condition that remains modifiable.
Result
A neurodevelopmental framing can advance access, quality, and equity in schizophrenia care.
conclusion
Redefining schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental syndrome reflects modern science and, based on the example of other countries, could catalyze systemic changes to improve care, access, and equity.
You can read the full paper Here.
