Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is caused by a number of factors including abnormal genetic makeup, environmental impact and usual brain chemistry. Here we have discussed the main causes of schizophrenia briefly.

Abnormal Genetic Pattern

Schizophrenia is reported to run in families. People with schizophrenic family history are more likely to develop it as compared to general population. Particularly in case of identical twins, if one is suffering from schizophrenia then there is almost 50% chance to develop it in other as well. Inheritance plays an important role in predicting the next patient of schizophrenia in coming generation. If one of parents, brother or sister is schizophrenic then the chance of its occurrence is 10%. Such patients show obvious signs of genetic mutation and abnormal gene pairs which lead to such complexities and disorder.    

As far as predicting or diagnosing such genetic disturbance is concerned, the results of normal genome test or scan are not enough to provide correct information about the presence of Schizophrenia. It is also possible that at the time of test there is no abnormality found in genetic pattern but after few months during some brain developing process specific gene become unable to carry its stored information correctly due to brain malfunctioning. Such sudden or unusual genetic disturbance is unpredictable to researchers or professionals trying to find out the actual cause behind Schizophrenia.  

Environmental Hazards

According to research environment also plays important role in genetic mutation or internal imbalance. If person is exposed to some harmful chemicals or infectious organisms like viruses for long periods of time, then it could enhance the risk of developing schizophrenia.      

Anomalies in Brain Structure     

In most of the cases schizophrenics show different brain structure as compared to normal persons. For example such patients are reported to have large size ventricles (fluid cavities in the mid of brain) than normal size found in normal human being. Moreover the functioning of its neurotransmitters, the amount of gray matter and activity potential of brain area also varies from those of normal population.

Such brain abnormalities are absolutely out of control and patient can’t overcome them easily. Brain development abnormalities before birth or brain damage during birth also matters in unusual distribution and functioning of brain cells and increase the probability of developing schizophrenia. These brain damages occurred at the time of birth are manifested in young age when they have fully grown into psychotic disorder like schizophrenia.