A neurobiophysical model of schizophrenias and of their possible treatment

Abstract

A neurobiophysical model is proposed for the explanation of some characteristics of schizophrenic behavior. The normal reactions to exogenous stimuli are mediated through a set of centers, while some endogenous stimuli result in abnormal reactions removed from reality, such as dreamlike states, paranoias, hallucinations, etc. The two sets of centers are cross-inhibited and the usual equations for such cross-inhibited systems are applied. In normal life exogenous stimuli as a rule result preponderantly in pleasant reactions, and the corresponding pathways are therefore reinforced. This results in an inhibition of the abnormal reactions. If the life history of an individual is such that a sufficiently large number of ordinarily experienced stimuli leads to unpleasant reactions and, therefore, the corresponding pathways are inhibited, the endogenously stimulated centers for abnormal reactions prevail and various schizophrenic symptoms occur. The same result may be achieved with a normal life history but through organic changes in the system, which differentially affect various thresholds and excitation parameters. The model thus leads to the conclusion that what appears now to be a large array of contradictory findings in the “organic” versus the “psychological” controversy is actually not a contradiction, but is a result of the dependence of normal and abnormal behaviors on a large number of neurobiophysical parameters. Some general comparisons between the conclusions drawn from the model and some known facts are made. The model also provides a first step toward a neurobiophysical interpretation of the mechanism of psychotherapy.