What factors can cause schizophrenia?

What causes schizophrenia?

• Genetic factors. A predisposition to schizophrenia can run in families.
• Biochemical factors. Certain biochemical substances in the brain are believed to be involved in schizophrenia, especially a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
• Family relationships.
• Stress.
• Alcohol and other drug use.

What causes schizophrenia in the brain?

Research suggests schizophrenia may be caused by a change in the level of 2 neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin. Some studies indicate an imbalance between the 2 may be the basis of the problem. Others have found a change in the body’s sensitivity to the neurotransmitters is part of the cause of schizophrenia.

Who is most at risk for schizophrenia?

The risk for schizophrenia has been found to be somewhat higher in men than in women, with the incidence risk ratio being 1.3–1.4. Schizophrenia tends to develop later in women, but there do not appear to be any differences between men and women in the earliest symptoms and signs during the prodromal phase.

What are the environmental factors of schizophrenia?

Environmental factors associated with the development of schizophrenia include the living environment, drug use, and prenatal stressors. Maternal stress has been associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, possibly in association with reelin .

What is the biological cause of schizophrenia?

The biological theory on Schizophrenia is a determinism theory which states that Schizophrenia is caused by our genetics and things that are involved in our bodies. The biological theory states that the cause of Schizophrenia is due to issues such as our genes, and dopamine levels, and therefore it can be cured by looking at these issues.

Is schizophrenia hereditary or environmental?

Hereditary is a significant risk factor for schizophrenia and there have been a number of genes which have been linked to a susceptibility for developing schizophrenia. A genetic risk coupled with an environmental trigger are considered the main cause of schizophrenia by many experts.

What is the definition of schizophrenia?

Medical Definition of schizophrenia. : a mental illness that is characterized by disturbances in thought (as delusions), perception (as hallucinations), and behavior (as disorganized speech or catatonic behavior), by a loss of emotional responsiveness and extreme apathy, and by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life.