The neurodevelopment hypothesis of schizophrenia: Clinical evidence and animal models

Although the cause of schizophrenia is not fully elucidated, there is increasing evidence that this severe psychiatric illness may result from a disturbance early in development. Evidence for this so called "neurodevelopmental hypothesis" comes from a variety of sources, including epidemiological, gynaecological, psychological and pathological data. The present review summarises some of these data. The recognition that schizophrenia may result from early (pre- and/or postnatal) abnormalities in development has also off a new approach to animal modelling. Until recently, animal researchers have invariably used drugs like amphetamine or phencyclidine to induce a "schizophrenia-like" condition. In the last few years at least three different models using early manipulations have been reported. These models are reviewed and compared with each other.