Biomarkers in schizophrenia: A brief conceptual consideration

Cynthia S. Weickert, Thomas W. Weickert, Anil Pillai, Peter F. Buckley

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

104 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biomarkers have been sought after in the field for schizophrenia research for decades. In this paper, we discuss some for the concepts around developing biomarkers in an effort to understand why the use for biomarkers for schizophrenia has not been realized. In particular, we address the following 4 questions. Why would we need a diagnostic biomarker for schizophrenia? How is a biomarker typically defined and how does that influence the discovery for biomarkers in schizophrenia? What is the best use for biomarkers in schizophrenia? Do any biomarkers for schizophrenia currently exist? Thus, while we suggest that no biomarker currently exists for schizophrenia, the heterogeneity associated with schizophrenia will most likely need to be taken into account which will result in multiple biomarkers that identify the multiple underlying pathophysiological processes involved in schizophrenia. Therefore, much additional work will be required prior to obtaining any well-established biomarkers for schizophrenia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-9
Number of pages7
JournalDisease Markers
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Biochemistry, medical

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