In previous posts, we have discussed schizophrenia and some of its variations, but are you at risk for developing it? Today we’ll define schizophrenia and talk about some possible risk factors and signs.

Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that that develops slowly over months or even years and whose cause is still unknown. It is usually characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

Some doctors believe schizophrenia is a condition where the brain cannot correctly process normal inputs. Others believe a person’s environment may trigger it, such as an infection while in utero. Still others believe that genetic factors likely play a role.

Risk factors for schizophrenia include, but aren’t limited to:

• Someone in your immediate family has schizophrenia.
• You or an immediate family member has another mental health disorder.
• Your mother suffered with malnutrition, had a viral infection or took medications for high blood pressure (like diuretics) while she was pregnant with you.
• You have (or have had) a problem with substance abuse. It is unclear whether the substance abuse triggers schizophrenia or whether the substance abuse was used as a coping mechanism to deal with early symptoms of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia typically begins before the age of 45, affecting about 1 percent of the world’s population. It occurs about equally in men and women; however, for reasons which are not understood, it seems to begin in men at an earlier age than in women. 

Treatment for schizophrenia may include a stay in the hospital to address the patient’s safety and basic health needs. A doctor may also prescribe antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications to help control symptoms. For more information, contact Solace Counseling. We can help you or a loved one with a customized treatment plan. Also, be sure to look for us on Facebook and Twitter.