Causes of schizophrenia

Causes of Schizophrenia

PET scan of a brain with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. The exact causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of schizophrenia. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. Specific genes have been associated with schizophrenia, although no single gene is responsible for the condition. Instead, it is likely that multiple genes contribute to the risk, each having a small effect.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are also believed to contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. These may include prenatal exposure to infections, malnutrition, and stress. Childhood trauma and substance abuse, particularly during adolescence, have also been linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.

Neurobiological Factors

Neurobiological factors involve abnormalities in brain structure and function. Imaging studies, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, have shown differences in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia compared to those without the disorder. These differences include alterations in the size and activity of certain brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

An imbalance in neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and glutamate, is thought to play a crucial role in schizophrenia. The dopamine hypothesis suggests that overactivity of dopamine transmission in certain brain pathways contributes to the symptoms of schizophrenia. Similarly, glutamate dysfunction is also implicated in the disorder.

Related Pages

• Schizophrenia
• Mental disorder
• Genetic predisposition
• Neurotransmitter