EXPLORING THE INTERFACE BETWEEN NEUROSCIENCE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: THE ROLE OF SYNAPTIC CONNECTIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric condition characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and cognitive deficits, influenced by genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors.Research focuses on synaptic plasticity and brain connections, suggesting that dysfunctions in communication between brain regions and anomalies in the extracellular matrix are crucial to the disease.METHODO-LOGY: This systematic review investigates the role of synaptic connections in schizophrenia, following the PRISMA guidelines and including studies from peer-reviewed journals over the last 13 years in Portuguese, English and Spanish.Ninety-three studies were identified, of which 17 were included after strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with qualitative and quantitative analyses.RESULTS: Current literature shows that schizophrenia is associated with synaptic and neuronal connectivity abnormalities, with genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors influencing synaptic plasticity.Research highlights the importance of the density of perineuronal networks, the function of NMDA receptors and the role of neuroinflammation in the synaptic dysfunction observed in schizophrenia.CONCLU-SION: The intersection between neuroscience and psychopathology in schizophrenia reveals synaptic and neural connectivity dysfunctions that contribute to the symptoms of the disease, highlighting the importance of the integrity of synaptic connections for cognitive function.Continued research is essential to develop new therapies and identify biomarkers that can improve clinical outcomes and predict disease progression.