A Neurodynamic Theory of Schizophrenia

A Neurodynamic Theory of SchizophreniaAn integrated theory of "schizophrenia" is presented, based on properties of axons interconnecting the cerebral cortex: Rapidly conducting axons are replaced by more slowly conducting ones. This premise accounts for many features of schizophrenia, at psychological and biological levels. The theory is compatible with the "stress diathesis" model, the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, and the dopamine theory of psychosis but incorporates much additional

An integrated theory of "schizophrenia" is presented, based on properties of axons interconnecting the cerebral cortex: Rapidly-conducting axons are replaced by more slowly-conducting ones. This premise accounts for many features of schizophrenia, at psychological and biological levels. The theory is compatible with the "stress-diathesis" model, the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, and the dopamine theory of psychosis - but incorporates much additional evidence. Two, almost separate bodies of theory are involved, one explaining psychosis in terms of transmitter dopamine, the other accounting for non-psychotic traits in terms of axonal properties. A key question is: "Why are people with the non-psychotic trait abnormalities also prone to episodes of psychosis?" An answer is based on the premise about axonal conduction. Psychosocial causes are accepted, along with genetic ones: Psychosocial causes promote psychosis in predisposed individuals, without contributing to the basic constitution for schizophrenia.