A multi-etiology model of systemic degeneration in schizophrenia.

We discuss the possibility of multiple underlying etiologies of the condition currently labeled as schizophrenia. We support this hypothesis with a theoretical model of the prefrontal-limbic system. We show how the dynamical behavior of this model depends on an entire set of physiological parameters, representing synaptic strengths, vulnerability to stress-induced cortisol, dopamine regulation and rates of autoantibody production. Malfunction of such different parameters produces similar outward dysregulation of the system, which may readily lead to diagnostic difficulties for a clinician. Techniques that provide a spectrum/profile of neural and steroid functions may be helpful in clarifying these diagnostic dilemmas.