Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long lasting and severe mental health issue that impacts how an individual is able to think and feels as well as how they behave. Contrary to what is commonly believed that it isn’t like multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder. The symptoms of schizophrenia are defined by altered thinking hallucinations, delusions and emotional disorders. Although it is only affecting around 1percent of the world’s population, its effects on families and individuals could be significant and last for a long time.

A major and difficult aspect of having schizophrenia figuring out the root cause that causes it. In contrast to diseases that have clear cut causes schizophrenia’s causes are complex. The researchers believe that it is caused by an intricate interplay between biological, genetic, and environmental variables.

Causes of Schizophrenia

1. Genetic Factors :- Genetics play an important influence on the development of schizophrenia. Genetics play a significant role in the development of. Research has proven that people who have a family member of the first degree (such as siblings or parents with schizophrenia, are at an increased risk of developing the disorder them.But, just genetics do not trigger the condition. Although having a family member suffering from schizophrenia may increase the risk of developing it, it doesn’t make it a guarantee that the disorder will develop. It is believed that a the genetic predisposition is interconnected with other elements to cause the condition.

   Genetic advances have revealed specific gene mutations and disorders that are associated with schizophrenia, such as the ones which affect brain development and neurotransmitter pathways. But, no one gene has been identified to be the cause of schizophrenia. Instead, a mix of genetic differences can increase the risk of developing it.

2. Neurochemical Imbalances :- Brain chemistry is a crucial component in understanding the underlying reasons behind schizophrenia. Neurotransmitters chemical messengers in the brain play a pivotal role in regulating mood, perception, and behavior. For people suffering from schizophrenia, the systems are seen to be functioning in a different way.The most well known theories is that of the dopamine neurotransmitter. Research suggests that excessive dopamine levels, particularly in certain areas of the brain could be the reason for hallucinations and illusions. The “dopamine hypothesis” has been proven by the efficacy of antipsychotic drugs that block dopamine receptors.

   Another neurotransmitter called glutamate is also thought to be involved. Glutamate is vital for memory and learning and disturbances in its signaling could cause negative and cognitive signs of schizophrenia including inability to organize thought and inability to express emotions.

3. Brain Structure and Function :- Modern imaging techniques such as MRI as well as CT scans have identified subtle differences in the brains of those suffering from schizophrenia. These structural changes don’t serve as diagnostic tools, but instead can provide crucial clues to the biological basis of the disorder.The most commonly observed changes to the brain of people who suffer from schizophrenia are :-
   • The brain’s ventricles are enlarged (fluid-filled cavities)
   • The size is reduced in specific brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
   • Gray matter volume is decreased.

   The brain’s abnormalities can affect memory, decision-making and emotional regulation. These are all areas commonly affected in schizophrenia. In addition, these changes may predate the beginning of symptoms, which suggests schizophrenia could be developing in the years prior to clinical signs appearing.

4. Environmental Triggers :- Although biological and genetic components are key elements, environmental factors contribute to the process of developing schizophrenia. These external influences could be triggers, particularly for those who have a genetic predisposition.Some notable environmental risk factors include :-
   • Prenatal Complications :- The exposure to malnutrition, viruses, and stress in pregnancy may increase the likelihood of a baby developing schizophrenia on in the course of. Influenza-related infections in the second trimester of pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
   • Birth Complications :- Symptoms like the low weight of birth, deprivation of oxygen, or premature birth could have a negative impact on the development of the brain, which could lead to schizophrenia.
   • Childhood Abuse and Trauma Experiences of neglect or trauma in childhood is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Abuse of the physical and emotional body may affect the brain’s development and stress response systems.
   • Social Stress and Urban Living :- People who were raised or born in urban areas are believed to be more at chance to develop schizophrenia. Social marginalization, discrimination and poverty may exacerbate mental health problems and be a contributing factor to the development of schizophrenia.
   • Substance Abuse Use of psychoactive substances such as cannabis LSD and amphetamines particularly during adolescence increases the likelihood of schizophrenia. In certain instances it is possible that drug use can cause the onset of symptoms for vulnerable people.
5. Developmental and Psychological Factors :- New research is looking into the ways that early life development and psychological stress may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. The emotional and cognitive challenges that arise during early childhood, like a slow speech development or inadequate social interaction, are the first signs of vulnerability.“The “diathesis-stress model” is often utilized for schizophrenia explanations. This theory suggests that individuals have the genetic predisposition (diathesis) however, they only get the disorder after being confronted with significant stress in the environment. The interaction between genetic characteristics and experiences in life shapes the beginning and progress of schizophrenia.
6. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Factors :- There is increasing evidence that a dysfunctional immune system could be a contributing factor to schizophrenia. A few studies have shown increased inflammation markers in the blood and brains of patients suffering from the disorder.Additionally, autoimmune diseases in which our immune system accidentally targets healthy tissue have been linked with a greater risk for developing schizophrenia. The precise mechanism is being studied and could be related to inflammation of the brain that interferes with normal brain communication and brain structure.

Conclusion

Causes of schizophrenia can be complex, involving a variety of neurobiological, genetic psychological, and environmental elements. There is no single cause that can be determined, and each instance of schizophrenia can result from the unique interaction of different risk factors.