Schizophrenia research indicates there is no specific cause to developing the disorder, but there are numerous factors that may contribute. The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes that at least 10 percent of the people who develop schizophrenia have a first-degree relative with the disorder also. Genetic research is ongoing, and study of environmental factors that may contribute to the disorder also is under way. The International Mental Health Research Organization clarifies that the term environment refers to any contributing factor besides genetics.
Prenatal and Virus Exposure
According to a 2004 study by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the risk of prenatal exposure to influenza, rubella and central nervous system disrupting viruses may have an impact on later development of schizophrenia in the child. Additionally, prenatal stress has also been implicated as a factor in later development of the disorder. Some of the studies implicating these factors were small case cohorts that have not been replicated with the same results. However, the International Mental Health Research Organization reports that in utero virus exposure research indicates a 500 percent increased risk of schizophrenia from a mother exposed to rubella during pregnancy. It is noted that this may be due to the medication intervention or to the actual virus exposure.
Life Stress
Life stress is thought to be another environmental factor in the development of schizophrenia. Chronic psychological stress alters the brain chemicals responsible for managing anxiety, thought and decision making. The website Psychiatric Disorders indicates that continued life stress such as broken relationships or death of loved ones may influence a change in the brain, leading to schizophrenia. However, a pre-existing genetic link may also be a factor, creating a two-fold risk for developing the disorder. The Royal College of Psychiatrists also notes that early exposure to abuse and neglect in the home may be a factor in developing the disorder. Significant trauma has an impact on brain chemistry and how the mind may respond to stress.
Birth Location and Economics
It has long been theorized that people born in poverty have an increased risk of developing a mental health disorder. According to the International Mental Health Research Organization, urbanization is a likely contributing factor to the disorder. In urban environments, poverty and nutritional deficits may exist. A 2006 study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology indicates that barring individual differences, a common theme of children born in the urban community is lack of resources for physical and emotional development. This combined with possible parental neglect increases the chance of schizophrenia developing later in life.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Causes Schizophrenia?
- International Mental Health Research Organization: The Causes of Schizophrenia
- Royal College of Psychiatrists: Environmental Influences in Schizophrenia: The Known and the Unknown
- American Journal of Epidemiology: Are the Causes Responsible for Urban-Rural Differences in Schizophrenia
