[Is there any connection between structural brain changes and schizophrenia?]

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder. Structural brain abnormalities have been found in a subgroup, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In some patients the changes in the brain are diffuse, in others more focal, and no single site has been found to be responsible for the illness. The brain lesions are commonly believed to be present before the onset of the illness, and are mainly non-progressive. They may act as non-specific markers of developmental and/or perinatal abnormalities associated with the disease. However, the abnormalities vary from patient to patient, and are non-specific. It is uncertain whether they are primary or secondary events in the course of the illness.