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Minor Physical Anomalies and their Relationship to the Aetiology of Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Kieran C. Murphy  and
Michael J. Owen
Kieran C. Murphy*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine
Michael J. Owen
Affiliation:
Departments of Psychological Medicine and Medical Genetics, University of Wales College of Medicine
*
Dr K. Murphy, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN, Wales. Fax: 01222 747839
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Abstract

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Background

Previous reports have suggested an increased prevalence of minor physical anomalies (MPAs) in schizophrenia.

Method

A review of the literature was performed to examine the relationship between MPAs, schizophrenia and other disorders.

Results

Previous studies demonstrate a number of methodological shortcomings. Moreover, MPAs are found in several other psychiatric disorders. Proponents of the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia have focused on an environmental explanation for the increased prevalence of MPAs. We argue that this may be overly simplistic and propose various ways in which genetic factors may also be involved.

Conclusions

Better studies should be performed to examine more precisely the nature of MPAs in schizophrenia and other disorders and also the relationship between MPAs and other developmental abnormalities. At present, it is unclear if MPAs are directly related to the pathogenesis of the disorder or even if they are related to the timing of critical events.

Type
Editorial
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 139 - 142
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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