Page 11 - Vision Manual

What causes schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is nobody’s fault. This means that you did not cause the disorder, and neither did your family members or anyone else. There are lots of theories about what causes schizophrenia, and a good deal of uncertainty. Some research shows that there may be an imbalance or ineffective function in the way in which the chemicals that help the brain work. Chemicals called “neurotransmitters” send messages, and in individuals with schizophrenia they seem to be different than in other people, which causes the brain to send information out incorrectly.
Nobody knows what causes this, but there is some evidence that shows that whatever causes this imbalance happens before birth. This means that some people have a “biological vulnerability” that develops at a later age. This vulnerability might be genetic as well, meaning that people in families that have schizophrenia are more likely to develop schizophrenia. In addition to a biological vulnerability, stress is also believed to play a role in the onset of schizophrenia. The theory of how vulnerability and stress interact will be discussed at length later on.
Many questions about schizophrenia remain unanswered. There are many research projects underway to determine what causes schizophrenia and learn more about the disorder.
What is the course of schizophrenia? What happens after you first develop symptoms?
Most people develop schizophrenia as they are becoming adults, with symptoms emerging by the age of 30. People vary in how often they have symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, and how much the disorder interferes with their lives.
Schizophrenia affects people in very different ways. Some people have a milder form of the disorder and only have the symptoms a few times in their lives. Others have a stronger form and have several episodes which require hospitalization. Some people experience symptoms almost constantly, but learn to reduce the severity such that they do not need hospitalization.
Schizophrenia tends to be episodic, with symptoms varying in intensity over time. When symptoms reappear or get worse, this can be commonly referred to as a “symptom exacerbation”, or a “relapse.” Some relapses can be managed at home, but other relapses might require hospitalization to manage symptoms and protect the person.
With effective treatment, most people with schizophrenia can reduce their symptoms and live rich, full lives.
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