Causes |

schizophrenia: WHAT CAUSES IT?

a general explanation of the causes

causes:

Although the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown, many researchers have found that there are many things that can cause or lead to psychosis including triggers and genetics.

structural changes in the brain:

If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, your doctors may have noticed subtle changes in your brain’s structure. Although these signs have not been found in every patient, changes in the brain have been linked to this particular disorder. These same changes have also been found in those who have not been diagnosed with this mental illness.

chemical changes in the brain:

There have been many findings about the role of neurotransmitters in the brain and how they play a part in this disorder. Neurotransmitters are responsible for sending signals to cells in the brain. Low levels or imbalances in these chemicals are related to the development of schizophrenia.

Dopamine specifically plays an important part. Researchers have found evidence that dopamine causes an overstimulation of the brain in people with schizophrenia. It may account for some of the symptoms of the condition.

Glutamate is another chemical that’s been linked to schizophrenia. Evidence has pointed toward its involvement. However, there are a number of limitations to this research.

pregnancy or birth complications:

Complications during or after birth have been proven to increase the likelihood of developing a mental illness such as schizophrenia.

1. Low birth weight.

2. Infection during pregnancy.

3. Lack of oxygen during delivery.

4. Premature Labor.

5. Maternal obesity diagnosis in pregnancy.

childhood trauma:

Childhood trauma is also thought to be a contributing factor in developing schizophrenia. Some people with schizophrenia experience hallucinations related to abuse or neglect they experienced as children.

people are more likely to develop schizophrenia if they experienced the death or permanent separation of one or both parents as children.

This kind of trauma is tied to a variety of other adverse early experiences, so it’s still unclear if this trauma is a cause of schizophrenia or just associated with the condition.