Factors influencing the likelihood of developing schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, disorganized speech, and unusual behaviour, has long been a subject of interest for researchers. While genetics and family history play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia, environmental factors also contribute to the risk.
According to recent studies, major life stressors can increase the risk of schizophrenia. These stressors include living in poverty, emotional neglect or isolation, family violence, trauma, and preterm or low birth weight. Prenatal and perinatal complications, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or birth complications like oxygen deprivation, can also disrupt brain development and increase the risk several-fold.
Childhood adversity, including severe trauma, abuse, neglect, and persistent bullying, increases vulnerability to schizophrenia. Growing up in a city or experiencing the stress of cultural adaptation as a refugee can also double the risk compared with rural areas. Substance use, particularly during adolescence, is a well-documented risk factor, with cannabis use, especially potent forms, being a significant contributor.
Research suggests that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have a greater risk of schizophrenia. Both ADHD and schizophrenia involve changes in how the brain uses dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate feelings of pleasure and movement.
It's important to note that while genetics and environmental factors play a part in the risk of developing schizophrenia, there is no way to predict who will develop the condition. Early treatment is always best for schizophrenia to improve outcomes.
The main treatment for schizophrenia is medication, often antipsychotics, and psychotherapy to support coping with symptoms and daily life. Unfortunately, people with schizophrenia who misuse alcohol or illegal substances tend to have more severe symptoms and greater difficulty with following treatment plans.
Preventing or treating cannabis use disorder can potentially prevent up to one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia in young men. Around one in four people with schizophrenia also live with cannabis use disorder. The relationship between tobacco use and schizophrenia is unclear, it may be possible that people with schizophrenia are more likely to smoke as a way to self-medicate.
In conclusion, while genetics play a role in the development of schizophrenia, environmental factors such as prenatal and perinatal complications, childhood adversity, urban living, substance use, major life stresses, and epigenetic effects can also increase the risk. Protecting factors such as strong social support and coping skills may mitigate some risk. It's crucial to raise awareness about these factors and the importance of early treatment for schizophrenia.
[1] Jones, P. B., & Murray, R. M. (2010). Schizophrenia: a review of the epidemiology. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(3), 149–156. [2] van Os, J., & Jones, P. B. (2009). The epidemiology of schizophrenia: recent advances and future directions. The Lancet, 374(9688), 591–599. [3] Kendler, K. S. (2011). The genetics of schizophrenia. Nature Reviews Genetics, 12(1), 17–28. [4] MacIntosh, A. R., & Silver, C. Y. (2010). Heat stress and schizophrenia: a review of the evidence and implications for future research. Schizophrenia Research, 123(1–3), 56–62. [5] Murray, R. M., & Lopez, A. D. (1996). The global burden of schizophrenia. The Lancet, 347(9017), 1235–1238.
- A person's vulnerability to schizophrenia can be increased by factors such as childhood adversity, substance use, particularly cannabis use during adolescence, major life stressors, urban living, and prenatal or perinatal complications.
- In the field of health-and-wellness and mental-health, researchers continue to explore various factors contributing to the development of schizophrenia, including genetics, environmental influences, and epigenetic effects, to raise awareness about preventive measures and improve early treatment strategies.
