Schizophrenia and Neurodevelopment: Insights From Connectome Perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Schizophrenia is increasingly viewed as a disorder of the brain's connectome, with potential onset in late childhood and adolescence.
• The neurodevelopmental underpinnings of early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) are not fully understood.
• Research interest is growing in understanding symptom onset during critical developmental periods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest theories on brain structural and functional development.
• To synthesize Chinese research findings on brain connectome abnormalities in EOS.
• To identify challenges and future directions in EOS research.

Main Methods:

• A selective review of PubMed and Web of Science literature.
• Focus on studies concerning brain connectomes, schizophrenia, and neurodevelopment.
• Synthesis of findings related to Chinese research on EOS.

Main Results:

• Typical neurodevelopment involves gray matter pruning, enhanced connectivity, and efficient structural/functional networks.
• EOS is associated with excessive gray matter decline, cortical thinning, and reduced network efficiency.
• Both early- and adult-onset schizophrenia exhibit disruptions in default mode network connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Chinese research on brain connectomes in EOS offers vital insights into pathological mechanisms.
• Standardized, large-sample, multicenter studies are needed.
• Objective markers for early intervention and treatment of EOS are a key future goal.