Neurocognitive models of schizophrenia: The prefrontal cortex role Modelos neurocognitivos en la esquizofrenia: Rol del córtex prefrontal

Abstract

Introduction: Neurocognitive models gave place to an important improvement in our understanding of several mental disorders such as schizophrenia. In this context, Prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction is an essential variable for its symptomatology account. It has been observed that abnormal level of PFC activation, as well as connectivity dysfunctions with other cerebral structures, play a central role in the delimitation of the disease. Materials and Methods: Through a theoretical, empirical, and clinical review, five neurocognitive approach of schizophrenia will be described. Conclusion: Although schizophrenia etiology is probably multiple, neural interconnectivity disorders and specially those related to PFC, explain a broad range of its symptoms. © 2006 Sociedad de Neurología, Psiquiatría y Neurocirugía.