The neurodevelopmental theory of schizophrenia: Evidence from studies of Early Onset cases

The neurodevelopmental theory of schizophrenia has been of great importance focusing most etiologic research over the past two decades. We review research on the neurodevelopmental aspects of Early Onset Schizophrenia, a rare and severe form of schizophrenia in which onset occurs during childhood or adolescence. Developmental, cognitive, genetic and brain imaging findings are outlined and discussed in relation to the neurodevelopmental theory. The main limitations of the theory are presented, and future conceptualizations are formulated.