Uncovering the endophenotypic factors on the impact of functional outcomes in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex heritable brain disorder, entailing significant costs to healthcare that, by its nature and phenomenology, presents severe social (e.g. family) and psychological consequences(decreased wellbeing, autonomy and life expectancy). The progress in understanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia points to the integration of genetic and neurobiological methods as an important venue of research. Recent research trends have shifted the focus from ‘fuzzy’ phenotypic descriptions of this heterogeneous disease to the endophenotypic aspects, as a way to empirically study and systematize the underpinnings of schizophrenia. The application of neurobehavioral measures as endophenotypes in studies in schizophrenia is in vogue, particularly the inquiry on the relationship of those variables amongst themselves and their impact on functional outcome. This investigation aims to provide an empirical contribute to the understanding of the endophenotypic aspects involved in schizophrenia in the PIC (Portuguese Island Cohort), proposing new intervention targets and psychosocial approaches for families and patients.