Evaluating the Hypothesis That Schizophrenia Is an Inflammatory Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Immunology

Background:

• Immune system abnormalities have been investigated in schizophrenia for decades.
• Schizophrenia is increasingly viewed as a potential inflammatory disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review replicated findings on schizophrenia as an inflammatory disorder.
• To explore the role of inflammation in the illness course, psychopathology, and treatment of schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Selected review of existing studies.
• Emphasis on replicated findings.
• Summarization of evidence for inflammation, neuroimaging, and treatment response.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests inflammation occurs throughout the course of schizophrenia.
• Relationships between inflammation and psychopathology are discussed.
• Neuroimaging studies of neuroinflammation are presented.

Conclusions:

• While not definitively proven, schizophrenia as an inflammatory disorder shows promise for understanding its etiopathophysiology.
• Inflammation may serve as a marker for treatment response and a potential treatment target.