Causes of schizophrenia

The causes of schizophrenia have been the subject of much debate, with various factors proposed and discounted or modified. The language of schizophrenia research under the medical model is scientific. Such studies suggest that genetics, prenatal development, early environment, neurobiology and psychological and social processes are important contributory factors. Currently, there are five different types of schizophrenia listed in the DSM-IV-TR titled: catatonic, residual, disorganized, undifferentiated, and paranoid.^[1]Current psychiatric research into the development of the disorder is often based on a neurodevelopmental model (proponents of which see schizophrenia as a syndrome.)^[2][3]However, schizophrenia is diagnosed on the basis of symptom profiles. Neural correlates do not provide sufficiently useful criteria.^[4] "Current research into schizophrenia has remained highly fragmented, much like the clinical presentation of the disease itself".^[5]

Although no common cause of schizophrenia has been identified in all individuals diagnosed with the condition, currently most researchers and clinicians believe it results from a combination of both brain vulnerabilities (either inherited or acquired) and life events. This widely adopted approach is known as the 'stress-vulnerability' model,^[6] and much scientific debate now focuses on how much each of these factors contributes to the development and maintenance of schizophrenia.

It is possible for schizophrenia to develop at any age, but it mostly happens to people within the ages of 16-40 - about 75 percent of people living with the illness develops it at this age. There is a likelihood of children developing schizophrenia, though it is quite rare before the age of 12. Also, new cases are uncommon after age 40. In addition, about 1 percent of the world's population will develop schizophrenia over their lifetime, therefore out of all the people born, one in 100 will develop schizophrenia by age 55.^[7]

Psychosis is a disease that is increased in youth that use marijuana. It is likely the teenager will experience a pattern of unusual thoughts or perceptions, such as believing the television is transmitting secret messages. From psychosis schizophrenia can develop.^[8]

There is on average a somewhat earlier onset for men than women, with the possible influence of the female hormone estrogen being one hypothesis and sociocultural influencesanothe