The Spectrum of Psychotic Disorders: Neurobiology, Etiology, and Pathogenesis

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Decades of research into the intrinsic (e.g., neurobiologicaland genetic) and extrinsic (including in utero and prenatalinsults, substance abuse, and traumatic experiences) etiologicfactors for psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia andrelated primary illnesses, has contributed greatly toward an improvedunderstanding of the neurobiological underpinnings oftheir characteristic symptoms and signs. Schizophrenia-likepsychotic experiences and behavior, however, are present in avariety of other psychiatric illnesses that are not classified asprimary psychotic disorders and in general medication conditionsthat adversely affect the central nervous system.

In this volume, Drs. Fujii and Ahmed argue for a reconceptualizationof schizophrenia-like psychotic phenomena presentin primary psychotic and mood disorders, as well as in a varietyof other general medical contexts, as a common neurobiological syndrome that involves dysfunction in frontal and temporal systemsand/or disturbances in their functional connectivity.’ ‹