Risk Factors & Causes Of Schizophrenia

The most basic step to dealing or curing schizophrenia is to identify the causes for this condition. By identifying the cause, you can get more understanding about where to start your treatment method to see definitive results. The need to learn more about the causes of this condition comes as a result of several misdiagnosis in the past, which undeniably puts the health of the patient at risk. 

Below are just some of the most common causes to schizophrenia and possible explanation for them. 

Hereditary Causes

Schizophrenia can be a hereditary condition. Meaning, those who have a family history of schizophrenia are more likely to develop the symptoms of this condition as well. But how is this a hereditary condition? This is all explained by a number of genes, which when present in the body increases your susceptibility to acquiring schizophrenia. 

However, the hereditary risk factor combined with environmental triggers further make you more susceptible to this condition. Health experts also cite reproductive or maternal genital infection to increase chances that the baby will also acquire this condition. 

Male-Gender Ratio for Schizophrenia

Another factor that must be closely examined when trying to evaluate the causes of schizophrenia is the gender profile of this condition. Statistics indicate that both men and women are equally affected by this condition although it is slightly more common in men. The symptoms of this mental disorder is also believed to first manifest itself during either late teens or early 20's for men, which is considerably early as compared to the symptoms manifestation in women. 

There are no definitive conclusion that can be made about the gender profile for this condition, though. This is because there are several potential causes and risk factors that could come into play when studying this condition aside from gender causes. 

Complication from Other Conditions

Schizophrenia is also considered to be a possible side effect from other conditions until it results into complication. Although it cannot be determined whether these conditions can be cited as a potential cause, it is believed that mental disorder could really happen. 

What are these conditions that might have resulted to schizophrenia as a complication? These include the following:

• Lupus
• Narcotic addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• LSD addiction
• Marijuana abuse
• Crack addiction
• Huntington's disease
• DiGeorge syndrome

Risk Factors for Schizophrenia

When it comes to determining the risk factors that contribute to the possibility of an individual acquiring schizophrenia, there are two distinct categories in which they fall under. There are the ones considered as causal risk factors, while there are natural risk factors that increase the possibility of developing schizophrenia. 

Some of the causal risk factors for schizophrenia include drug abuse, emotional sensitivity, shyness, unsociability, and a family history of schizophrenia. Meanwhile, additional factors that increase the likelihood of developing this mental disorder include a lack of emotion and those who are considered as loners. 

Identifying the causes and possible risk factors of schizophrenia raises awareness on who are likely to acquire this condition. Moreover, it helps you gain a better understanding of this condition to come up with an effective treatment plan. 
