Is Psychosis a Neurobiological Syndrome?

Objective: To describe theoretical weaknesses in the DSM-IV criteria for psychotic disorders and to argue that schizophrenia-like psychosis is a neurobiological syndrome similar to aphasia or apraxia. Method: We outline the criteria for the concept of neurobiological syndrome and present supporting evidence for schizophrenia-like psychosis as a neurobiological syndrome. Results: There is evidence in the literature to support the hypothesis that schizophrenia-like psychosis is a neurobiological syndrome. Conclusion: Conceptualizing schizophrenia-like psychosis as a neurobiological syndrome has important implications for both clinicians and researchers. (Can J Psychiatry 2004;49:713-718)