Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
05:52

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis

Published on: November 21, 2013

The potential role of high or low birthweight as risk factor for adult schizophrenia

Giuseppe Bersani1, Giorgiana Manuali, Luisa Ramieri

  • 1University La Sapienza, III Psychiatric Clinic, University of Rome, Italy. giuseppe.bersani@uniroma1.it

Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|February 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight may be a risk factor for developing schizophrenia. This case-control study investigated obstetric complications, including birth weight, in schizophrenia development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Obstetric complications are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to schizophrenia development.
  • Understanding these early-life factors is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between obstetric complications and schizophrenia.
  • To specifically evaluate the role of birth weight in the development of schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed.
  • Cases included individuals with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
  • Healthy male siblings served as controls, with obstetric complications assessed via the "Midwife Protocol".

Main Results:

  • Birth weight emerged as a potential risk factor for schizophrenia.
  • Odds ratio analysis indicated a link between birth weight and schizophrenia.
  • Wide confidence intervals necessitate cautious interpretation of the precise risk magnitude.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides evidence for the role of specific obstetric complications, such as birth weight, in schizophrenia etiology.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of factors contributing to schizophrenia.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia13:08

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Published on: December 2, 2015

A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia05:51

A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia

Published on: June 15, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Schizophrenia01:17

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a term introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, describes a severe psychological disorder marked by profound disruptions in attention, thought processes, language, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. The core feature of schizophrenia is psychosis — a state characterized by a fundamental detachment from reality. This disconnection manifests through distorted logic, impaired perception, and atypical behavior, severely affecting the lives of those diagnosed.