What Causes Schizophrenia?

What Research Says About Causes of Schizophrenia

One widely accepted theory about the cause of schizophrenia has to do with brain development. Specifically, it points to brain development before being born. This theory is lent credence by the fact that people whose mothers were malnourished during pregnancy are much more likely to develop schizophrenia later in life.

Another theory of schizophrenia causes, discovered by an international panel of researchers, is that it might be caused by a change in the levels of the important neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

• Dopamine is a type of hormone and neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells. It plays a role in things like memory, movement, motivation, and pleasurable reward. It’s suggested that an excess of dopamine receptors, especially in the mesolimbic pathway, can result in too much activity, leading to hallucinations, delusions, and other negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that also acts as a hormone. Sometimes referred to as the “happy chemical,” serotonin is important for mood regulation and sleep. People with schizophrenia are known to have higher levels of serotonin. This imbalance is thought to contribute to several somatic functions and disturbed behaviors commonly associated with the mental health condition.

Potential Causes of Schizophrenia

Although the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, many factors are believed to trigger the onset or increase the chances of someone developing it. While schizophrenia in children and adolescents can occasionally be diagnosed, generally diagnosing schizophrenia occurs when someone is in their late teens to early to mid-20s. Genetics, pregnancy complications of the mother, recreational substance use, brain changes, and childhood trauma might be contributors to the development of schizophrenia.  

Genetics

While we’ve yet to prove a definitive causal relationship between genetics and a predisposition for schizophrenia, as noted, the disorder does seem to run in families.

According to research done by the University of North Carolina Department of Psychiatrics, an identical twin has a 50% genetic risk of developing schizophrenia if the other twin also has it. People with close family members — parents or siblings — have a 10% chance of one day being diagnosed.

Anecdotal evidence seems to support a genetic link. Researchers in the UK have proposed it’s likely to be a combination of genes that are responsible for schizophrenia, rather than just one single gene.

Pregnancy complications

Some things that happen during their mother’s pregnancy and delivery can put a person at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. These include low birth weight, premature labor, asphyxia (lack of oxygen) during birth, and, as mentioned, malnourishment of the mother during pregnancy.

Recreational drug use

While the use of recreational drugs doesn’t effectively cause schizophrenia, it is likely to increase the chance of someone getting it who’s already at high risk.

Research by the Health Service of the UK suggests that using recreational drugs, including and especially cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, and LSD, can potentially trigger schizophrenia symptoms in people who are susceptible.

Brain changes

Changes in the chemistry of the brain, like what happens with head injuries, extremely high fevers, or some diseases, are thought to be another of the several potential schizophrenia causes.

Childhood trauma

While more research is needed, some studies show that trauma during the formative childhood years might lead to schizophrenia in the future. Sometimes, a schizophrenia-caused hallucination can involve neglect or abuse from childhood.

Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

Having a risk factor or predisposition for schizophrenia doesn’t mean that someone will definitely develop it. Often, there’s a trigger event that marks the beginning of schizophrenia symptoms.

Common and known triggers can include:

• Extreme stress
• Poor living situations
• Some viruses and immune disorders

Stress

Major life events like divorce, a death in the family, the loss of a job or home, or physical or sexual abuse can trigger schizophrenia symptoms in people already at risk.

Poor living situations

Being homeless, living in poverty, existing in a volatile or scary situation, and having poor nutrition are all thought to be potential triggers for some people.

Viruses and immune disorders

Some viruses and autoimmune diseases are thought to trigger the onset of schizophrenia. Mental Health America states that when mothers get the flu during pregnancy, their babies are ultimately at an increased risk of eventually developing schizophrenia at some point in life. Another cause includes developing a severe infection that results in hospitalization.

Understanding More About Schizophrenia

Knowledge is always a powerful defense against schizophrenia. Knowing the likely schizophrenia causes and triggers, being aware of the negative symptoms, and learning life skills to help you manage symptoms are all important. These tools can effectively improve your quality of life and help you cope with a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. That can include a focus on things like:

• Getting enough sleep at night
• Eating a healthy diet rich in legumes, fruits, and vegetables
• Finding ways to deal with the stress of everyday life and stress specifically related to schizophrenia
• Getting a support system in place (and using it!)
• Continuing schizophrenia treatment
• Maintaining medication

There are also a plethora of helpful resources available online to help you better learn how to deal with schizophrenia.

Finding a support group can be beneficial. You’ll learn coping techniques and have a chance to connect with others who also have experience with schizophrenia. Your healthcare team can help you find a local group, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness has links to several, reputable online support groups on their website.

The key to managing any mental health condition, including schizophrenia, is an effective treatment plan that almost always includes therapy. Online therapy platforms like Talkspace offer different forms of therapy that are accessible and convenient, including therapy for schizophrenia.

Gain access to highly qualified, experienced therapists who can be your guide to managing schizophrenia so you can lead a successful, full life. You don’t have to let a schizophrenia diagnosis take control. There is help available, and Talkspace can be a helpful resource for finding it.