*Schizophrenia: Early Recognition and Prevention DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88537*

*Neurodevelopment and Neurodevelopmental Disorder*

deterioration in role functioning, and irritability [1].

phase, even in the earliest stages [1, 19, 22, 39].

behavior toward family and friends [1, 16].

Although there is great variability between patients in how their prodromes manifest, certain symptoms and signs have been frequently described. These include depressed mood, anxiety, irritability and aggressive behavior, suicidal ideation and attempts, and substance use. The most commonly occurring prodromal symptoms, according to retrospective studies of patients with schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder, are reduced concentration and attention, reduced drive and motivation, depression, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal, suspiciousness,

Studying these symptoms, we observe two things. First, many of them are nonspecific occurring frequently in the prodromes of nonpsychotic threshold syndromes. Second, a considerable amount of psychiatric symptoms, disability, self-harming, and other health-damaging behaviors, occur during this prodromal

Cognitive, affective, and social disturbances known as "basic symptoms" are also commonly described in the early prodromal phases. This concept of "basic symptoms," developed in the 1960s, has significantly influenced the new area of

5–10% of the general population experience attenuated or subthreshold form of psychotic symptoms like transient perceptual symptoms; suspiciousness; reference and bizarre delusional ideas (e.g., the beliefs that others may be thinking badly about or laughing at); nonattendance at school, university, or work; and altered

The difference between these phenomena and clear psychotic symptoms is due to their intensity, frequency, duration, and deleterious effects on the individual

Neurocognitive deficits in particular impaired attention, spatial and verbal memory, and speeded information processing are also evident in the prodromal phase but at a lower degree of severity comparing to those found in first-degree

Specific cognitive deficits may be related more directly to affected brain structures and candidate genes and so may be more directly predictive of

In the prodromal and in the onset phase of psychosis, neurobiological changes can be identified. During the process of transition to psychosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) highlights significant bilateral reduction in gray matter volume in the cingulate region as well as in the left parahippocampal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left orbitofrontal cortex, and one region of the left cerebellar cortex [1]. It is important to notify that these brain changes were not present in the UHR group that did not develop psychosis. The differentiation between normal and abnormal has important implications for defining the prodromal phase of schizophrenia and the therapeutic interventions at this early stage. Atypical antipsychotics has improved the treatment and the outcome of schizophrenia and psychosis due to their low risk for adverse effects like extrapyramidal effects, tardive dyskinesia, sedation, weight gain, metabolic

Psychosocial interventions give optimism regarding the prognosis of disease by improving family and social difficulties, stigma avoidance, victimization, isolation,

relatives of patients with schizophrenia or in fully affected patients [1].

syndrome, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, sexual dysfunctions, etc.

**4. The prodrome**

prodromal research [1].

functionality of the person.

psychosis.

**5. Treatment**

**34**

and poverty [13].

If the prodrome can be recognized prospectively and treatment can be provided at this stage, then disability could be minimized, some recovery may be possible before symptoms and poor functioning become obvious, and the possibility of preventing is feasible and realistic. The early intervention aims:


Early intervention has to take place in the three important phases of early psychosis:

