Precursors of schizophrenia

Several likely precursors of schizophrenia have been identified. These range from possibly causative features, such as exposure to perinatal insults, to features that are the effects of an underlying vulnerability, such as abnormal childhood behaviors. Unfortunately none of these precursors is specific enough to be used in identifying individuals for targeted preventive treatment. A more useful strategy is to combine risk factors for psychotic disorders in a population seeking help for psychiatric problems. Thus, individuals who are possibly prodromal are identified. Research into this group has found high rates of onset of psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia, within a short time frame. Preliminary treatment trials suggest that symptoms can be reduced and psychosis onset possibly delayed or averted.