What Causes Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia, like every other mental disorder, is a mystery by itself and the causes are unknown until this time. No single reason can be attributed to schizophrenia. People associate heart conditions to a number of genetic, behavioral, and several other factors. Likewise, the same is the case for schizophrenia. Despite having all the tools of modern biomedical research, scientists are unable to understand all the factors that may lead to the illness. As such, the causes of schizophrenia are a mystery.
[su_quote class=”cust-pagination”]“Schizophrenia cannot be understood without understanding despair.” — R.D. Laing[/su_quote]
Schizophrenia Can Be Inherited
For quite some time now, people have mentioned that schizophrenia is an inherited condition. People with close relatives who may have schizophrenia are more prone to develop this condition than people who do not have any relatives with the disorder.
Children whose parents have schizophrenia have a 10% chance of developing schizophrenia. An identical twin of an individual is at the highest risk with a 40% to 65% chance of developing the condition. The risk of schizophrenia among the general population is just about 1% while it is higher among people who even have second-degree relatives with the condition of schizophrenia.
Genes
Scientists are conducting research to understand better the genetic factors that are related to schizophrenia. Humans inherit their genes from their parents. Although scientists have opined that several genes are associated with an enhanced risk of schizophrenia, they have also confirmed that no single gene by itself can cause the disease. Research has shown that people who suffer from the condition are likely to have higher rates of genetic mutations, which are rare. The genetic differences may involve various genes and possibly disrupts the development of the brain.
Some factors have been identified as the probable causes of schizophrenia. However, since no information is available about the transmission of the genetic predisposition, it is difficult to predict whether a person will develop the disorder or not.
Some studies have suggested that schizophrenia could be a partial disorder that develops when a certain gene begins to malfunction. The said gene is involved in making necessary chemicals of the brain. The problem may affect the particular part of the brain that is involved in the development of essential functioning skills. Further research about this gene is ongoing. Therefore, it is impossible to use this information in order to predict who can develop schizophrenia.
Other factors
Moreover, it is believed that genes are not the only reason why this disorder is caused. Scientists believe that interactions between the environment and the genes are necessary for the development of schizophrenia. There could be a number of environmental factors which could also be involved. These include exposure to viruses, malnutrition before birth, problems during birth, and numerous other factors.
Does A Chemical Defect Within The Brain Cause Schizophrenia?
The general knowledge about brain chemistry and its connection to schizophrenia is expanding significantly. Substances that allow communication among nerve cells — neurotransmitters —have long been considered as being involved in the development of schizophrenia.
It is likely that disorder may be associated with certain imbalances of the neurotransmitters and glutamate. However, scientists are uncertain about this matter until this moment.
[su_quote class=”cust-pagination”]“The psychotic drowns in the same waters in which the mystic swims with delight.” — Joseph Campbell[/su_quote]
After conducting investigations using brain imaging techniques, investigators have discovered biochemical changes that may precede the symptoms of the disease. This has led them to conduct an examination of the neural circuits that are highly likely to be involved in the production of the symptoms. Molecular-level scientists are still exploring the genetic basis to locate the abnormalities within the brain development and also in the systems for neurotransmitters which regulate the function of the brain.
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