Immunopathology and viral reactivation: a general theory of schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

A theoretical framework is advanced which proposes that an excess of alpha-interferon (aIFN) is a causative agent of schizophrenia. The interferons are a family of proteins which inhibit viral replication. Properties of aIFN include excitation of nerves and activity involving opiate receptors, which are cell sites that interact with opioid substances in the body. Results of research investigating the involvement of viruses and retroviruses in schizophrenia have been inconsistent and inconclusive. However, many factors support the idea of a viral link to schizophrenia. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex, and several other viral agents can lead to schizophrenia-like symptoms. Immunological abnormalities are often found to accompany schizophrenia, and drugs designed to alleviate psychotic symptoms (neuroleptics) have antiviral properties. Therapeutic administration of aIFN has been shown to lead to symptoms which are similar to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as social withdrawal, apathy, thought blocking and slow speech. The aIFN theory encompasses a wide range of clinical manifestations of schizophrenia and entails several falsifiable hypotheses which require further evaluation. For example, one hypothesis is that stress leads to symptom activation. It is thought that stress influences viral reactivation, which in turn leads to aIFN production and psychotic symptoms. Common features shared by schizophrenia and autoimmune disease, as well as recent research exploring the biological, neurological, age- and gender-related abnormalities found in schizophrenia, are integrated into the aIFN theory and discussed in terms of suggestions for future research strategies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Development and progression, Viruses, Interferon

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The use of cognitive behavior therapy with a normalizing rationale in schizophrenia: preliminary report

Article Abstract:

Schizophrenia is often explained to patients and their families in terms of complex biological and/or psychological processes thought to underlie the disease. But as researchers have learned more about schizophrenia, it has become apparent that the delusions and hallucinations experienced can also occur in 'normal' subjects under extreme conditions such as sensory deprivation and solitary confinement, and some resemble supernatural phenomena that people in certain cultures believe exist. An attempt to destigmatize psychotic phenomena might include relating them to such culturally acceptable beliefs. It is hypothesized that cognitive-behavioral therapy is one means to accomplish this destigmatization. In an experimental protocol, 64 schizophrenics over a five-year period were offered cognitive-behavioral therapy in addition to their usual treatment. The cognitive-behavioral therapy included a destigmatizing rationale to explain the symptoms that the patient experiences to both the patients and their relatives. The rationale included, for instance, explanations of hallucinations as not external but internal, and related to excessive stress such that normal people undergoing unusual stress might experience them. It was found that patients and families were receptive to the explanations, and their use was correlated with relatively low use of medication and hospitalization. Since the study did not include a control group, it is difficult to assess its significance. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Case studies, Cases, Cognitive therapy, Hallucinations and illusions, Hallucinations, Rational-emotive psychotherapy, Rational-emotive therapy

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