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genetically predisposed to schizophrenia don’t always develop the disease, which shows that biology is not destiny.

Environmental causes

Studies suggest that inherited genes make a person vulnerable to
schizophrenia. Environmental factors then act on this vulnerability to
trigger the disorder.

More and more research points to stress—either during pregnancy or at a
later stage of development—as being a major environmental factor. Stress-inducing factors could include:

Prenatal exposure to a viral infection
Low oxygen levels during birth (from prolonged labor or premature
birth)
Exposure to a virus during infancy
Early parental loss or separation
Physical or sexual abuse in childhood

Abnormal brain structure

In addition to abnormal brain chemistry, abnormalities in brain structure
may also play a role in schizophrenia development. However, it is highly unlikely that schizophrenia is the result of any one problem in any one
region of the brain.
Diagnosing schizophrenia

A diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on a full psychiatric evaluation,
medical history assessment, and physical exam. Lab tests can also help to
rule out other medical causes of your symptoms.
Criteria to diagnose schizophrenia

The presence of two or more of the following symptoms for at least 30 days:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Disorganized speech
Disorganized or catatonic behavior
Negative symptoms (emotional flatness, apathy, lack of speech)

Other diagnosis criteria:

Have had significant problems functioning at work or school, relating to
other people, and taking care of yourself.

Shown continuous signs of schizophrenia for at least six months, with
active symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, etc.) for at least one month.

Have no other mental health disorder, medical issue, or substance abuse
problem that is causing the symptoms.

Get more help

Schizophrenia – Overview of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and current research on schizophrenia. (National Institute of Mental Health)

Schizophrenia: The Journey to Recovery (PDF) – Handbook discusses
diagnosis and treatment issues. (Canadian Psychiatric Association)

Catatonic Schizophrenia – Signs, symptoms, causes, and effects. (Schizophrenic.com)

Disorganized Schizophrenia – Signs and symptoms of this subtype. (PsychCentral)

Hotlines and support

In the U.S., call 1-800-950-6264 or visit NAMI.org

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