Poster
70
(#70) Reframing schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental syndrome: The scientific and social imperative
Psych Congress 2025
Abstract: Schizophrenia is commonly classified as a serious mental illness (SMI), emphasizing chronicity and disability. However, converging evidence from neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology supports reframing it as a neurodevelopmental syndrome, rooted in early brain disruption and marked by diverse trajectories. This framing may reduce stigma, improve early identification, and align schizophrenia with developmental and preventative care models.
We propose a three-pronged framework for operationalizing this shift: (1) reclassifying schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder in DSM and ICD systems; (2) renaming the condition to reflect current science and reduce stigma; and (3) reshaping public, clinical, and policy-level perceptions of schizophrenia through education and engagement.
This model incorporates perspectives from individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers, many of whom have called for frameworks that reduce fatalism, increase hope, and support developmentally informed care. Drawing on these voices, we argue that a neurodevelopmental framing can strengthen public trust, expand access to services, and promote earlier, more equitable care engagement.
Reframing schizophrenia in this way has implications for diagnosis, treatment planning, workforce development, and health policy. It also better reflects the condition's complexity, moving beyond narrow definitions focused solely on psychosis. This poster outlines the rationale, potential benefits, and implementation pathways for advancing this shift.
Short Description: This poster presents a clinical and policy roadmap for reframing schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental syndrome. We highlight biological and lived experience evidence, outline three strategies for implementation, and describe the potential to reduce stigma, support early intervention, and improve outcomes.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A
We propose a three-pronged framework for operationalizing this shift: (1) reclassifying schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder in DSM and ICD systems; (2) renaming the condition to reflect current science and reduce stigma; and (3) reshaping public, clinical, and policy-level perceptions of schizophrenia through education and engagement.
This model incorporates perspectives from individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers, many of whom have called for frameworks that reduce fatalism, increase hope, and support developmentally informed care. Drawing on these voices, we argue that a neurodevelopmental framing can strengthen public trust, expand access to services, and promote earlier, more equitable care engagement.
Reframing schizophrenia in this way has implications for diagnosis, treatment planning, workforce development, and health policy. It also better reflects the condition's complexity, moving beyond narrow definitions focused solely on psychosis. This poster outlines the rationale, potential benefits, and implementation pathways for advancing this shift.
Short Description: This poster presents a clinical and policy roadmap for reframing schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental syndrome. We highlight biological and lived experience evidence, outline three strategies for implementation, and describe the potential to reduce stigma, support early intervention, and improve outcomes.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A
