Two decades of progress in schizophrenia: Evolution, current insights, and future directions

Abstract

Schizophrenia research has undergone substantial conceptual and clinical evolution over the past two decades, driven by advances in neuroscience, genetics, neuroimaging, cognition, psychopathology, public health and therapeutics. Despite these developments, major questions regarding the nature, heterogeneity, trajectory, and treatment of schizophrenia remain unresolved. In this viewpoint article, the Spanish Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SJPMH) invited leading experts from different fields within schizophrenia research who have authored influential work and contributed significantly to the understanding and treatment of the disorder in recent years. Through concise and reflective perspectives, the contributors revisit some of the most relevant advances of the last two decades while discussing unresolved challenges and future directions. Together, these viewpoints provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving schizophrenia landscape and offer thoughtful and illuminating perspectives on the future of schizophrenia research and clinical care.