Causes for Schizophrenia
Posted by Administrator on June 4, 2006
There is still much speculation on the causes of schizophrenia (as well as most mental disorders), but research has shown genetic and environmental links. In most parts of the world schizophrenia is more prevalent in men; but in China, it is more prevalent in women. This could account for the environmental role of the disorder. Also, certain genes have been linked to schizophrenia. A monozygotic twin of a person with schizophrenia has a 40-50 percent chance of developing the illness. When a parent has schizophrenia, a child has about a 10 percent chance of developing schizophrenia (Healthy Place, 2006). One study even found 16.4% of schizophrenic probands had at least one first-degree relative affected with the disorder (Shimizu,Kurachi,Yamaguchi,Torri, & Isaki, 1987).
References:
Healthy Place Thought Disorders Community. (2006). What Causes Schizophrenia? Retrieved March 08, 2006 from http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/ thought_disorders/schizo/nimh/causes.asp
Shimizu A, Kurachi M, Yamaguchi N, Torii H, & Isaki K. (1987). Morbidity risk of schizophrenia to parents and siblings of schizophrenic patients. Jpn J Psychiatry Neurology, 41,65-70.
Matt said
Firstly, thank you for writing about an experience many are too afraid to address. I apologise for posting this comment so many months late, but I’ve only just found the blog!
Just wanted to add to this that there is also thought that the “condition” (it isn’t anything of the sort really – it’s just the mind’s normal reaction to stress..) also has nurture causes, aswell as a genetic (or nature) platform from which to develop. Things such as childhood trauma, including sexual abuse. I feel that both nature and nurture came into play for my case, but to be honest – I have no interest in the cause.
Just ending it. Which, I am coming close to figuring out. Thinking “outside the box”, as they say, often let’s you realise how the box is made.
Regards,
Matt
stuartsorensen said
Nature and nurture have to be there. It’s such a shame that so many psychiatrists can’t see beyond biology – hence the over-reliance on biological treatments (medications). There is a place for medication but it’s not the whole story by any means.