Major Psychological Disorder> Schizophrenia - Origin and Causes of Schizophrenia

Most serious psychological disorder (affects 1-2% in civilized societies). Causes involve genetic, biochemical, brain, and psychological factors interacting.

1. Genetic Factors

• Schizophrenia tends to run in families; risk is higher in close relatives (Gottesman, 1993).
• It is caused by multiple genes interacting with environmental factors.
• Tienari (1991) found 9% risk in children of schizophrenic mothers vs. less than 1% in others.

2. Biochemical Factors

• Neurotransmitters play an important role in causing schizophrenia.
• Medicines that reduce hallucinations support this idea.
• Recent research shows multiple brain chemicals are involved, not just one.

3. Brain Dysfunction

• Schizophrenia is considered a brain disorder caused by chemical imbalances.
• Patients often have enlarged ventricles, affecting the cerebral cortex.
• Gur & Pearlson (1993) found reduced frontal lobe activity, causing thinking and memory problems.

4. Psychological Factors

• Family environment can increase the risk of schizophrenia.
• High emotional expression in families can lead to relapse.
• Harsh criticism, poor parenting, and stress make children more vulnerable.

• Schizophrenia is a serious disorder affecting 1–2% of people.
• Genetic factors – Runs in families; multiple genes increase risk.
• Biochemical factors – Neurotransmitter imbalance contributes to symptoms.
• Brain dysfunction – Enlarged ventricles and low frontal lobe activity affect thinking.
• Psychological factors – Stressful family environment and criticism increase risk and relapse.