Schizophrenia Causes

 Nobody understands the true cause of schizophrenia, although it certainly has a genetic element. Studies have shown that if one parent is affected, the risk of having a child with schizophrenia is estimated at 14%. This rises to 46% if both parents are affected.

Studies have also linked schizophrenia to difficulties in childbirth and winter births, or viral infection in pregnancy. None of these studies have given us the whole picture.

It is likely that the brain functions differently in people with schizophrenia. Studies suggest that the positive symptoms are caused by an over-activity of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in certain areas of the brain. There may be under-activity in other areas, which lead to negative symptoms. Neurotransmitters thought to be particularly significant in the development of schizophrenia include dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.

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