Do degenerative changes operate across diagnostic boundaries? The case for glucocorticoid involvement in major psychiatric disorders

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511735103.008

6 - Do degenerative changes operate across diagnostic boundaries? The case for glucocorticoid involvement in major psychiatric disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 August 2010

Carmine M. Pariante and

David Cotter

Edited by

Matcheri S. Keshavan ,

James L. Kennedy and

Robin M. Murray

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Carmine M. Pariante: Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK
David Cotter: Affiliation:
Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
Matcheri S. Keshavan: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
James L. Kennedy: Affiliation:
Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto
Robin M. Murray: Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, London

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Summary

Crucial supportive evidence for the theory was given by studies showing that classical degenerative brain changes were largely absent, by the presence of microscopic brain changes indicative of abnormal brain development, and by the absence of clear evidence for progressive ventricular dilatation among schizophrenia subjects. It is possible that the microscopic neuropathological changes described in schizophrenia may be vulnerable factors for schizophrenia. Alternatively, they could be an intrinsic component or a consequence of illness. Neuropathological studies cannot tell which interpretation is correct. However, there are some important similarities in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD), which suggest that a common process of change is involved in each disorder. There are several lines of investigation that support the view that glucocorticoid-related neurotoxicity may be implicated in depression and schizophrenia. The glial deficit found in these disorders may also relate to glucocorticoid effects.

Keywords

bipolar disorder degenerative changes glucocorticoid-related neurotoxicity schizophrenia neuropathology major depressivedisorder

Type: Chapter
Information: Neurodevelopment and Schizophrenia , pp. 111 - 120

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511735103.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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6 - Do degenerative changes operate across diagnostic boundaries? The case for glucocorticoid involvement in major psychiatric disorders

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