512209-13-3LO AID: 5766 | 6/3/2017
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About one percent of the world population is affected by schizophrenia which is a psychiatric disorder. The exact cause of schizophrenia is still not known though it is understood that the disorder is an occurrence due to genetic, environmental, neuro biological and psychological factors.
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Genetic and environment both act as a trigger for schizophrenia. A member of a family with the disorder is likely to pass on the genes to the next generation. If both parents are positive for schizophrenia then there 39% chances that the kids inherit the disorder. If only of the parent is schizophrenic there are 13% chances of the children being schizophrenic.
Intake of painkillers like Aspirin during pregnancy poses a high risk of schizophrenia. Any kind of stress to the mother at the time of pregnancy can cause schizophrenia in children. Even a low birth weight can become a risk factor for schizophrenia. An over aged father is a cause of concern for schizophrenic children. A lower level of Folic acid in a pregnant mother is also a risk factor of schizophrenia. Hence, pregnant mothers are prescribed Folic acid supplements.
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The other known reasons of environment that can contribute towards the disorder are pregnant mother being attacked by flu and infection of the central nervous system. Obstetric complications and psychosocial stress can also lead to schizophrenia. Head injuries are also a reason for schizophrenia in the later stages of life.
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Certain neurotransmitters when released in excess tend to generate symptoms of schizophrenia. According to dopamine theory, high fluctuations in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals tend to produce schizophrenic symptoms. The positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia are attributed to the chemicals serotonin and glutamate respectively.