What triggers schizophrenia?

Answer 1

It's typical onset is young adulthood. A stressful event / series of stressful event, drug use, and other factors may play a role in triggering schizophrenia. However, in many cases, no trigger can be identified.

Answer 2

Causes of schizophreniaTo answer this question simply: probably a convergence of influences that we don't entirely understand. But, here are some of the findings that we do know: Brain abnormalitiesStudies have revealed a number of differences in the brains of schizophrenic patients.

• Dopamine overactivity: schizophrenics have excess receptors for dopamine (specifically the D4 dopamine receptors). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved movement, learning, attention, and emotion. It's speculated that this high level contributes to intensified brain signals and creates some of the positive symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. As expected, drugs that block receptors lessen the symptoms while amphetamines and cocaine intensify them. Dopamine-blockers do not seem to affect the negative symptoms of withdrawal.
• Glutamate: researchers have also looked at the impaired activity of another neurotransmitter, glutamate, which is a major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in passing along neural impulses. Drugs that inhibit glutamate produce symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
• Brain scans of patients show aberrant brain activity
  • Some show abnormally low activity in the frontal lobes (responsible for reasoning, planning, and problem-solving).
  • Decline in brain waves that show a lack of synchronization in neural firing. This can disrupt the simultaneous functioning of neural networks needed for complex thought processes. This may be the cause behind the break-down of selective attention.
  • During hallucinations, schizophrenics show activity in the thalamus, which is responsible for sensory input. This suggests that the hallucinations are as real as reality for them.
  • Activity in the amygdala, responsible for fear.
• Structural: schizophrenics will have enlarged, fluid-filled areas in the brain and shrinkage of the cerebral tissue in those areas. These areas are sometimes present in people who haven't yet developed the illness. There is high correlation between the severity of the illness and the extent of the shrinkage.

VirusesCorrelation between the health of the mother when pregnant provide evidence that viruses contribute to schizophrenia. Higher incidences of schizophrenia were noted in cases where

• A country experienced a flu epidemic
• People live in densely populated areas (where there are higher rates of transmission of viruses)
• People were born in the spring or winter months
• Mothers had high levels of antibodies, indicating a viral infection

Researchers have also found a greater frequency of viral genes in the cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenics. Although it suggests that viruses could play a role in the disease, it's uncertain whether the viruses cause the onset of schizophrenia or if they are a result of it.

Genetic factorsWithout a doubt, genes play a role in schizophrenia. However, given the statistics compiled, it has been determined that a predisposition to the disease alone is not enough to develop schizophrenia, meaning it cannot be determined if one will develop schizophrenia solely based on family history (although one might be more at risk). Many genes have been studied, but a complex disorder like schizophrenia is likely the work of many genes. Here is some evidence that points to genes:

• Although 1 in 100 will develop schizophrenia, the odds increase to 1 in 10 if a parent or sibling develop schizophrenia.
• 1 in 2 identical twins will develop schizophrenia if the other develops it, even if they are raised apart.
• The older the father is, the greater the risk of offspring that develops schizophrenia.

Answer 3

Schizophrenia is a truly devastating disability marked by multiple symptoms, severity of the disorder and an uncertain outcome.

There are multiple possibilities as to what causes this; some scientists believe the potential maybe present at birth, others think it is caused by a combination of a defect in the brain, a traumatic life event and predisposition or family history.

Currently it appears to be a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. A leading neurobiological, hypothesis looks at the connection between the disease and excessive levels of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals in the brain.

The genetics connection has gained more steam by the recent discovery that close relatives of schizophrenics are ten times as likely to develop the disorder then people in the general population.

Excellent information at the links.

Answer 4

First of all Schizophrenia is a challenging disorder that makes it difficult to distinguish what is real or unreal, think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and function normally. What causes it, like all mental disorders we dont understand that much about it. Studies suggest genetics, if your parent has shizophrenia then that increases the percentage of their child by 10 percent. Although no common cause of schizophrenia has been identified in all individuals diagnosed with the condition, currently most researchers and clinicians believe it results from a combination of both brain vulnerabilities (either inherited or acquired) and life events.

Answer 5

Schizophrenia may be caused by abnormalities in the brain, neurotransmitter over-abundances or shortages, or genetics (to give a very small summary of the possible causes). The risk factors are viral infection during pregnancy, older father's age, low income, having a close family member with schizophrenia, and drug use.

Answer 6

There is a genetic link, whereas those with a first degree relative who is schizophrenic is more likely to develop the disorder over those who have no family history. Severe abuse as a child has been correlated as well. Drug abuse may also be a factor.

Answer 7

Scientists know that schizophrenia runs in families. It occurs in 10 percent of people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder, such as a parent, brother, or sister. They also think interactions between genes and the environment are involved. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth may be involved.

Answer 8

(Apex) Genetic and environmental condition