Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to interpret reality. It is estimated to affect less than 1% of the U.S population.
Even though the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, there are certain factors that increase your risk of developing or triggering it. Let’s discuss a few:
Family History
Having a family history of schizophrenia increases your chances of developing it, but this does not mean that you’ll definitely get it solely because a family member is affected.
There is no one gene that causes schizophrenia, but rather a combination of genes that render one susceptible.
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Drug Use
Taking mind-altering drugs during the teen years and adulthood increases your risk. There is good evidence that stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines can cause psychosis.
Data also points to cannabis use as being a cause. One study showed a 40% greater risk of psychosis in individuals who have ever used cannabis—even after controlling for other variables.
The more cannabis used, and the younger one may have begun further increases the risk.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Complications that occur in pregnancy such as premature labor, low birth weight, bleeding during pregnancy and preeclampsia have been shown to be risk factors for schizophrenia—perhaps owing to an effect on the baby’s developing brain.
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Other studies have shown
