What Is the Main Cause of Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a complex and difficult condition that often mentally incapacitates those who suffer from it. Symptoms include depression, lack of social ability, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts, delusions, and more. The many causes can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Causes

• The two main causes include genetic disposition and social environment. Extreme stress, traumatic events and a history of mental health problems may also contribute to schizophrenia.

Famous Ties

• There are a number of famous people who have struggled with the disease, including author Jack Kerouac, jazz musician Charles "Buddy" Bolden, and Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of schizophrenia include difficulty with mental functions, hallucinations, decreased social interaction, delusions, lack of pleasure or interest in daily life, and disorganized thinking or speech.

Family History

• Family history perhaps plays one of the largest roles in the development of schizophrenia. Identical twins of schizophrenics, for example, have as high as a 30-50 percent risk of developing the disease. (Reference 3)

Warning

• Seek the help of a licensed mental health professional if you start to display symptoms of schizophrenia, or any other mental disorder. Early treatment can prevent mental disorders from escalating.