Scientists have yet to identify what exactly causes schizophrenia, but some research and studies draw a link between the condition and genetics.
Schizophrenia and Genetics
Your chances of developing the condition as a result of a genetic link increase with your proximity to the person who has the condition. For example, if you have a twin who has the disorder, the odds of you also developing it could be as high as 65%. No single gene can cause schizophrenia. Research suggests that many different genes and their mutations could cause the condition to develop. If you already have a genetic risk of developing schizophrenia, it’s essential to be aware that being exposed to certain environmental factors could increase that risk. Factors such as:
Pregnancy complications: Birth and pregnancy complications could increase the risk of a child who is already genetically disposed to developing schizophreniaStress: Being exposed to severe stress, or experiencing a traumatic event could increase your risk of developing schizophreniaDrug abuse: Abusing drugs such as cannabis and hallucinogens could trigger schizophrenia if you are genetically prone to the conditionBrain structure: Differences in brain structure and function could also cause schizophrenia. Scientists believe that changes to the brain that occur during puberty may trigger the development of psychotic conditions, especially in people who were already genetically predisposed to developing the condition.
Causes of Schizophrenia
There is ample research that shows that schizophrenia is closely linked to a person’s genetics. If you have a parent or close relative who has schizophrenia, you have a one in ten chance of developing the disorder. In comparison, people who don’t have a genetic link to the disorder have a 1 in 100 chance of developing it. Researchers in Denmark found that in one-third of cases where one identical twin had the condition, the other was likely to develop it. However, in non-identical twins, this occurred only in about 7% of the cases. If both your parents have been diagnosed with the condition, you are at a 50% risk of also developing it. Genetic mutations have been identified as the most common risk factor for schizophrenia. Multiple genetic changes that by themselves would otherwise have a small effect, could combine and increase your risk of developing the condition. Researchers have also observed a connection between an imbalance in the chemical messengers in your brain and schizophrenia. Some research suggests that a change in the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain could cause schizophrenia.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of schizophrenia is given after consulting with a medical expert who will cross-reference your symptoms with the list of symptoms provided by the DSM-5. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is made if a person has two or more core symptoms most of the time for a month, and some mental disturbance over six months, one of which must be hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech for at least one month. The core symptoms of schizophrenia include:
HallucinationsDelusions Catatonic behavior Gross disorganizationDisordered thinking Diminished emotional expression
To give a conclusive diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and take a look at your medical history. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose schizophrenia, but your doctor might recommend some tests like a CT scan or an MRI, to rule out any other conditions that mirror schizophrenia symptoms. Your doctor will ensure that your symptoms are not being caused by substance abuse or another mental disorder.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, largely because scientists have been unable to pinpoint a single cause. However, there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve the daily functioning of a person living with the condition.
Medication
Antipsychotic medications are typically administered to reduce the severity of the psychotic symptoms that characterize this condition. However, they don’t ensure there will be no further psychotic episodes. When you start taking antipsychotic medications you could experience some side effects like weight gain and restlessness. These symptoms are most likely to subside over time. If they don’t or become worse, speak to your doctor immediately. Other side effects of antipsychotic medications include:
Blurred visionDrowsinessDry mouthMuscle spasmsRestlessnessTremor
Even if you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms and feel that you no longer need medication, you shouldn’t discontinue any medication prescribed for your schizophrenia without first consulting your doctor.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral skills training are typically recommended to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia. These treatments are recommended alongside medication and not as a replacement.
Coping
Living with and supporting a loved one who has schizophrenia can be difficult. Especially when they are experiencing severe psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Besides the treatment plan prescribed by their doctor, it’s very important for a person living with this condition to have the care and support of the people closest to them. Here are some ways you can help:
Encouraging them to join support groups with other people living with their condition. There are also support groups for the loved ones of people living with this condition that will give you more tips on how to cope.By ensuring that they are consistent with their treatment and taking their medications regularly. Be supportive when they having a psychosis episode. While you can tell that they are hallucinating or having a delusion, they can’t.
A Word From Verywell
While genetics might play a role in the development of schizophrenia there’s no conclusive research to help understand how big of a role it plays. Having a close relative or even a parent with schizophrenia doesn’t mean you automatically develop the condition. It only means that you are at risk of developing it. In certain cases, you are no more at risk than a person who has no genetic link to the condition. If you do have a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia it’s essential to avoid environmental factors that could trigger the condition, like substance abuse.
