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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

By
Carmine M. Pariante  and
David Cotter
Edited by
Matcheri S. Keshavan ,
James L. Kennedy  and
Robin M. Murray
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 disorderdegenerative changesglucocorticoid-related neurotoxicityschizophrenianeuropathologymajor depressivedisorder
Type
Chapter
Information
Neurodevelopment and Schizophrenia , pp. 111 - 120
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2004

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