The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode.

Schizophrenia is more common in winter and spring births. Children whose mothers experienced famine during the first trimester are more likely to develop schizophrenia. Pregnancy and birth complications increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Risk factors for schizophrenia include a family history of the disorder, a father who is older in age, autoimmune system abnormalities, and drug abuse during adolescence and early adulthood. Complications during pregnancy or birth are linked to schizophrenia.

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that stress and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Although genes do play a role in the disease, the genetic concordance rate of schizophrenia is approximately 50% — even in identical twins.

Many people with schizophrenia are able to live independently. However, this is not the case for all people with schizophrenia. There are several things that people with schizophrenia should know to overcome the difficulties of their illness and live on their own: Early diagnosis and treatment leads to better outcomes.

Criteria to diagnose schizophrenia

1. Hallucinations.
2. Delusions.
3. Disorganized speech.
4. Disorganized or catatonic behavior.
5. Negative symptoms (emotional flatness, apathy, lack of speech)

Outlook. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that can involve delusions and paranoia. A person with paranoia may fear that other people are pursuing and intending to harm them. This can have a severe impact on their safety and overall well-being.

Many schizophrenics live in fear because our brains do not rely on or trust our memories. When a person (without any mental disorder) has to give a presentation to their management, for example, they think, oh, I did a presentation like this last month.

Topic Overview

1. Don’t argue.
2. Use simple directions, if needed.
3. Give the person enough personal space so that he or she does not feel trapped or surrounded.
4. Call for help if you think anyone is in danger.
5. Move the person away from the cause of the fear or from noise and activity, if possible.

While no cure exists for schizophrenia, it is treatable and manageable with medication and behavioral therapy, especially if diagnosed early and treated continuously.

Individuals suffering from the prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia may exhibit odd ideas that have not reached the level of being delusions, like feeling detached from themselves, having beliefs that an ordinary event has special and personal meaning, or a belief that their thoughts aren’t their own.

Though the disease itself is not that common, it can affect people of every gender, race and ethnicity. Slightly more men than women will develop schizophrenia. It remains hidden during childhood and develops between the ages of 16 and 30.