An Analysis of the Two-Hit Model of Schizophrenia

Abstract

The two-hit model, which can be used to describe the causal pathway of schizophrenia, has many strengths and limitations. Although the model can help explain the origins of schizophrenia and may account for the complexity of the disorder, its weaknesses include an inability to effectively describe the heterogeneity of the disorder, non-specificity to schizophrenia, a non-falsifiable approach to assimilating individual differences, challenges in knowing where each risk factor falls in the model, and difficulties ascribing causality and direction of effects. Despite its limitations, this model has many clinical implications for the early identification of schizophrenia. However, given the limitations of the model, it may be difficult to use the model in early intervention efforts