Causes of Schizophrenia

No one knows what exactly causes schizophrenia. But there are some theories out there concerning the causes. Scientists don’t know all the facts but through biomedical research they are searching for genes, factors in the development of the brain, and how the environment might be some of the causes of schizophrenia. (Fact Sheets)

Schizophrenia does seem to run in families. Due to this fact scientists have been searching for genetic reasons that cause this illness. They are trying to identify the actual genes that might cause it. (Rethink)

Scientists also suspect the neurotransmitter dopamine as a potential cause of this illness. A neurotransmitter is the chemical that carries messages from one nerve cell to another in the brain. The dopamine binds to the receptors on each cell. They suspect that there is too much dopamine. Therefore it does not bind properly thus causing the symptoms.

The reason they believe dopamine might have something to do with the cause of this illness is because anti-psychotic medications that bind to the dopamine receptors do reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. (Mental Health Channel)

There is another cause scientist’s suspect. A physical abnormality in the brain. Due to neuro-imaging technology scientist’s have been able to find abnormalities in both structure and function such as the fluid-filled cavities (the ventricles) deep in the brain being enlarged. Some research has shown a decrease in the metabolism of certain regions in the brain. It is believed that these abnormalities were caused in the fetal development of the brain. (Psychology Information Online)

The afore mentioned are just causes that scientist’s suspect. I personally believe that there is no 100% factual evidence to prove these theories true. But what evidence we do have certainly points towards these theories being definitely true.

References:

Causes of Schizophrenia Fact Sheets
Retrieved 8 August 2007 From The World Wide Web
http://www.fact-sheets.com/health/mental-health/schizophrenia_causes/

Causes of Schizophrenia Rethink
Retrieved 8 August 2007 From The World Wide Web
http://www.rethink.org/about_mental_illness/mental_illnesses_and_disorders/schizophrenia/causes_of.html;

Schizophrenia Causes Mental Health Channel
Retrieved 8 August 2007 From The World Wide Web
http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/schizophrenia/causes.shtml

What Causes Schizophrenia Psychology Information Online
Retrieved 8 August 2007 From The World Wide Web
http://www.psychologyinfo.com/schizophrenia/causes.htm