Theories About Schizophrenia Causes
In present there are many theories about schizophrenia causes, but the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown. In antiquity persons with schizophrenia were thought that they are possessed.
Today, more and more attention is given to heredity. Those who had a schizophrenic member in their family have many chances to develop schizophrenia in future, like 10%. Many studies were made on that identical twins, and they stand a 50% to 85% chance of sharing the disease. Still, most studies fail to identify the exact mechanism and location of genetic transmission, though they do identify possible genes and chromosomes.
Genetic factors are thought that might be one of the causes. Scientists are looking for particular genes that may either cause or predispose one to the illness, some genetic mutation can make a person to not produce enough enzyme or biochemicals for the brain.
Other theories are connected with the pre-natal period. Pregnant women must avoid flu in the pregnancy period. Also they must avoid exposure to alcohol, lead and other toxic gases. With small risks, but also in discussion are: excess use of painkillers, maternal-fetal Rh blood incompatibility, exposure to X-ray during pregnancy.
It is thought that in childhood period the disease is dormant, and in adult period with the stress factors the disease will develop. So, environmental stress might be too.
Because is a brain disease, many researches are toward to brain disturbance.
Difference in brain chemistry, such as imbalances of proteins, specific amino acids and specific neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and glutamate) are a possibility to be the disease cause. Difference in brain circuitry ( disrupted connection between nerve cells that govern speech and disturbance in communication between right and left hemispheres of the brain) also.
Difference in brain structure is an important link to schizophrenia. CT and MRI analyses of the brain showed that are differences between normal and schizophrenic persons brains. This includes enlarged ventricles and asymmetrical hemispheres.
As we can see, there are many theories, some of them encourage us that in the nearest future we will discover the cause of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia Cause - Google News
Last update: 12/01/2008
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