Concluding Thoughts
To address the public health challenge associated with schizophrenia, we
should accelerate our understanding of SSD through identification of
useful biomarkers of SSD. This includes conducting research in
overlooked sensory modalities (e.g., chemical senses, somatosensation).
We need to be more cognizant of gaps in our understanding of sensory
processing and their contributions to later cognitive processing. One
way to do this is to measure responses from different parts of the
sensory processing stream simultaneously. Advancements in technology,
reduction in the price of certain electrophysiology equipment, and
improvements in methodology have made this approach a reality without
having to build equipment from scratch.
SM and WM deficits in those with high schizotypy and individuals with
diagnosed schizophrenia, highlight that schizophrenia really is a
spectrum of symptoms. Focusing on schizotypy requires a larger sample
size is needed to detect the smaller effects (compared to schizophrenia)
but offers a straightforward method for assessing relationships between
symptom severity and functioning along the schizophrenia spectrum.