Recently there is increased focus on neurodegeneration in psychoses, as recent findings in neuroimaging and cognition research has been interpreted as evidence for neuroprogression. To review the cross-sectional and longitudinal neuropsychological and brain imaging evidence to test explanatory capacities of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative models. Findings of published studies and number of upcoming new meta-analyses of ours are discussed.
Evidence suggest that most of the cognitive impairment develops long before the onset of psychosis and there is no cognitive decline from prodrome to chronic disorder. Some brain imaging findings might be progressive however, pattern and characteristics of these abnormalities do not support a disease related neurodegenerative process. Schizophrenia is best conceptualized as an abnormality in prolonged process of neurodevelopment from fetal life to early adulthood