Abstract
In most patients there is usually prodromal period before full outbreak of schizophrenia. This period is characterized by functional and morphological changes.
In order to better understand these prodromal period, several concepts have been developed, that besides classification contribute to diagnosis and treatment. In this review article, we present a summary of the current knowledge of morphological changes in group of individuals at high risk of developing psychosis, also of functional changes, their possible clinical consequences and future use of these findings in early diagnosis.
Limitations of current imaging studies are also mentioned. Furthermore we present an overview of possible therapeutic interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, including experimental approaches.
According to current knowledge, preventive interventions in these subjects are advisable and can be effective or lead both to delay the transition of these individuals to psychosis or at least to alleviate individual manifestations.