Experts agree that the disease probably is a combination of many congenital and acquired factors. We review the most common circumstances that are given to the development of schizophrenia into context.
First Genes and Development
The influence of heredity is intensively investigated. It is known that if one parent with schizophrenia, the probability of disease of a child around 10%. If you are sick, both adults, the risk that their offspring will be affected by the disease, more than 45%. For a child of healthy parents (and thus probably for most of us), the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia 1%, suggesting an important role of heredity. However, there is one particular gene, which would be responsible for this problem. Most likely they are damaged more and more inherited certain "vulnerability" of the brain , which is more susceptible to the disease. His role seems to infectious diseases during pregnancy and childbirth difficulties.
2. Different structure and function of the brain
Research shows that the brains of people with schizophrenia often present an imbalance in the distribution of chemicals, which transfer information between brain cells. These substances are called neurotransmitters. There are so many, and relations between their effects are very complicated. Schizophrenia is associated particularly imbalance levels of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate. The use of medication from the group of antipsychotics helps stabilize just dopamine levels in various brain regions. It has also been described by many small variations in construction of the brain - people with schizophrenia tend to have more space for example ventricle and small differences are important in connecting brain areas.
3. Method of life
An important role in the development of schizophrenia also play some stressful life events, especially in people who have an innate vulnerability of the brain. Among these factors stands at the forefront of long-term use of marijuana and other drugs, especially when combined with alcohol consumption. It is also interesting that schizophrenia often sick people who were born in urban environments than those from rural areas.
4. Functioning families
Some theories indicate an important risk factor of disturbed family relationships. Various scientists describe their own and often very different considerations describing the functioning of families, where some of the babies ill with schizophrenia. But opinions often contradict each other. For some authors is "risky" too over-protective and caring mother who constantly checking restricts the healthy development of the child . While others blame the women who are the offspring behave coldly dismissive. What is certain is that the dysfunctional family is a child always severe stress, which may in individuals with a genetic predisposition increase the risk of various psychological disorders, schizophrenia only.
questions remain
Despite the large amount of research and hypotheses of schizophrenia is still a mystery to doctors. For example, it is not yet clear how many of the above risk factors "need" to develop the disease in humans. For patients who are already ill with schizophrenia, but are theories that important. The main thing is for them to always be understanding, tolerance and support around proper treatment.
He worked on the story: Susan Kalna
Expert guarantor article: MD. George Náhlovský
Source: U lékaře.cz