A model integrating risk variables involved in the development of the schizophrenia spectrum

A theoretical model of the etiology of schizophrenia, the schizophrenia spectrum, and normal development is proposed. This model is based upon replicated research. A selected review of the literature on the etiology of schizophrenia indicated that schizophrenia may be a developmental disorder of the quality of attachment interacting with the development of the reticulothalamocortical system, beginning in the earliest months of life. A genotype, phenocopy, and stress are specified, based upon replicated research results. We hypothesize that schizophrenia results from a continuing malforming transaction, beginning at birth, between a temperament genotype of a sensitive, easily aroused to high peaks of arousal baby and an environmental stress of an unempathic/insensitive, physically rejecting, noncontingent mother. This results in a classical conditioning paradigm wherein people become an aversive stimulus for an anxiously/avoidant attached infant. This anxious/avoidant response may have permanent biochemical and structural effects. It is also hypothesized that the same genotype interacting with an empathic, sensitive, physically affectionate, contingent mother may also account for artistically or musically creative superphrenics.