The role of the cerebellum in schizophrenia

Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Jul 15;64(2):81-8. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2008.01.003. Epub 2008 Apr 8.

Abstract

For many years the cerebellum has been considered to serve as a coordinator of motor function. Likewise, for many years schizophrenia has been considered to be a disease that primarily affects the cerebrum. This review summarizes recent evidence that both these views must be revised in the light of emerging evidence about cerebellar function and the mechanisms of schizophrenia. Evidence indicating that the cerebellum plays a role in higher cortical functions is summarized. Evidence indicating that cerebellar abnormalities occur in schizophrenia is also reviewed. These suggest interesting directions for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebellum / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Higher Nervous Activity / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology
  • Nerve Net / physiopathology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Olivary Nucleus / physiopathology
  • Pons / physiopathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Thalamus / physiopathology