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Clinical Synthesis
Published Online: 6 November 2020

Evaluating the Hypothesis That Schizophrenia Is an Inflammatory Disorder

Abstract

The investigation of immune system abnormalities in schizophrenia, although ongoing for decades, has become a popular area of research. The authors present a selected review of studies informing on schizophrenia as a potential inflammatory disorder, emphasizing replicated findings. The authors summarize evidence for inflammation over the illness course, discuss relationships between inflammation and psychopathology, present studies of imaging of neuroinflammation, consider inflammation as a marker of treatment response and treatment target, and review potential mechanisms for the effects of inflammation on the brain in schizophrenia. Although there is not clear and convincing evidence to support the assertion that schizophrenia is an inflammatory disorder, this area of study shows promise toward a greater understanding of the etiopathophysiology of this heterogeneous disorder.

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Published in print: Fall 2020
Published online: 6 November 2020

Keywords

  1. Schizophrenia
  2. Inflammation
  3. Immune system
  4. Cytokines
  5. Neuroimmunology

Authors

Details

Brian J. Miller, M.D., Ph.D. [email protected]
Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia (Miller); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta (Goldsmith).
David R. Goldsmith, M.D.
Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia (Miller); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta (Goldsmith).

Notes

Send correspondence to Dr. Miller ([email protected]).

Competing Interests

Dr. Miller has received research support from Acadia and Alkermes and honoraria from Psychiatric Times. Dr. Goldsmith reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

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