What is shizophrenia?
Explanations of schizophreniaThere is no singular cause identified for schizophrenia. Research suggests that there may be an interplay between factors causing schizophrenia.
Studies have shown that genetic factors cause schizophrenia, hence schizophrenia tends to run in families. Research shows that if one identical twin has schizophrenia, then the other has 40-50% chance of also developing the illness. Furthermore, a child is 10% more likely to develop the illness if one of the parents has schizophrenia. Biochemical factors also contribute the causes of schizophrenia. This biochemical explanation is also known by as the dopamine hypothesis. This is when there is a chemical imbalance in the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brains of individuals who suffer from schizophrenia. |