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Understanding the symptoms of “schizophrenia” in evolutionary terms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2005

Martin Brüne*
Affiliation:
Centre for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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Abstract:

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An evolutionary theory of schizophrenia needs to address all symptoms associated with the condition. Burns' framework could be extended in a way embracing behavioural signs such as catatonia. Burns' theory is, however, not specific to schizophrenia. Since no one single symptom exists that is pathognomonic for “schizophrenia,” an evolutionary proposal of psychiatric disorders raises the question whether our anachronistic psychiatric nosology warrants revision.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004