As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia may be found in:
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Schizophrenia affects 1% to 2% of the population in the United States and is equally prevalent in both sexes. It may result from a combination of genetic, biological, cultural, and psychological factors. Some evidence supports a genetic predisposition. Close relatives of people with schizophrenia have a greater likelihood of developing schizophrenia; the closer the degree of biological relatedness, the higher the risk.
The most widely accepted biochemical theory holds that schizophrenia results from excessive activity at dopaminergic synapses. Other neurotransmitter alterations, such as serotonin increases, may also contribute to schizophrenic symptoms. In addition, patients with schizophrenia have structural abnormalities of the frontal and temporolimbic systems. Computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging studies show various structural brain abnormalities, including frontal lobe atrophy and increased lateral and third ventricles. Positron emission tomography scans substantiate frontal lobe hypometabolism.
Numerous psychological and sociocultural causes, such as disturbed family and interpersonal patterns, also have been proposed. Schizophrenia is more common in lower socioeconomic groups, possibly due to downward social drift, lack of upward socioeconomic mobility, and high stress levels that may stem from poverty, social failure, illness, and inadequate social resources. Higher incidence is also linked to low birth weight and congenital deafness.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Schizophrenia may result from a combination of genetic, biological, cultural, and psychological factors.
Some evidence supports a genetic predisposition. Close relatives of persons with schizophrenia are up to 50 times more likely to develop schizophrenia; the closer the degree of biological relatedness, the higher the risk.
The most widely accepted biochemical hypothesis holds that schizophrenia results from excessive activity at dopa-minergic synapses. Other neurotransmitter alterations may also contribute to schizophrenic symptoms. In addition, patients with schizophrenia have structural abnormalities of the frontal and temporolimbic systems.
Numerous psychological and sociocultural causes, such as disturbed family and interpersonal patterns, also have been proposed. Schizophrenia occurs more often among people from lower socioeconomic groups, possibly the result of downward social drift, lack of upward socioeconomic mobility, and high stress levels that may stem from poverty, social failure, illness, and inadequate social resources. Higher incidence also is linked to low birth weight.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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