Promising More Than Can Be Delivered

Elaine Walker and Carrie Holtzman say in their review that "Schizophrenia: Current Science and Clinical Practice brings together international experts in the field of schizophrenia to present overviews of contemporary scientific findings on the etiology and treatment of the disorder," highlighting findings from neurobiological, genetic, social, and neurocognitive research. They also note that these experts call attention to the "complex etiologic processes that give rise to schizophrenia" and to the growing recognition of the need for intervention at the various stages of the disorder, including the "putative prodromal stage," which might have implications for "preventing or at least delaying the onset of psychosis." There is also a discussion of how "advances in our understanding of the biological underpinnings of the disorder may directly inform efforts toward individually tailored treatments."

When I began my career in psychology, it was frequently asserted that the cutting-edge genetic and neurobiological research of the time would change the course of treatment for serious mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia. Three decades have passed since I began my training, and the promise of biologically and genetically informed treatments remains. However, I find that I am much less enthusiastic about each of the latest findings than I once was. Certainly the introduction of atypical antipsychotic medications has changed the prognosis and quality of life for those diagnosed with schizophrenia, and we understand much more about the value of tailoring interventions to the stage of the disorder. Despite advances, I find myself wondering whether the resources devoted to genetic, neurocognitive, and neurobiological research have delivered all that has been promised. Or, perhaps, I am simply impatient with the pace of translation of findings into practice. Do you think research in these areas is delivering on its promise? Or should we be adjusting our expectations?

Read the Review

The Science of Schizophrenia: Synthesizing the Latest in Research and Practice
By Elaine F. Walker and Carrie W. Holtzman
      PsycCRITIQUES, 2012 Vol 57(2)