Dual constraints on synapse formation and regression in schizophrenia: more evidence required (letter)

Changes in synapses as a possible cause of schizophrenia have always been a prime suspect in this debate. In particular, any neurobiological mechanism in the prodrome of the illness, which leads to the clinical manifestation of first-episode psychosis in adolescence and early adulthood, is very much dominating the current research agenda because it holds the promise of making a significant difference to the course of illness through early intervention. In this respect, Bennett’s review is important and welltimed but somewhat limited when linking the neurobiology of synapse formation and regression to what we know about schizophrenia