What question did this study set out to answer?

The review aims to understand the genetic and neurochemical factors that underlie schizophrenia and their implications for diagnosis and treatment.

March 27, 2026Open Access

Genetic and Neurochemical Basis of Schizophrenia: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment – A Narrative Review

Key Points

The review aims to understand the genetic and neurochemical factors that underlie schizophrenia and their implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Analysis of existing literature on schizophrenia's genetic and neurochemical aspects
Examination of the prevalence and burden of the disorder
Discussion on the implications of genetic susceptibility and neurotransmitter dysregulation
Schizophrenia affects approximately 0.3–0.7% of the population
Heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be between 70–80%
The disorder ranks among the top 15 in terms of global disability burden

Abstract

Abstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder affecting about 0.3–0.7% of the population12. It typically appears in late adolescence or early adulthood and causes hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thought, and significant disability34. Schizophrenia imposes a high global burden, with ~23 million cases worldwide and a top-15 ranking in disability54. The etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Common genetic variants confer most of the risk (heritability ~70–80%)67.

Genetic and Neurochemical Basis of Schizophrenia: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment – A Narrative Review

Key Points

Abstract

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