Schizophrenia Awareness Week - Part Two

While the exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, there are several factors which are believed to be partly responsible for the development of this illness. Those are biological, genetic, and environmental.

Genetic Factor

There is a higher likelihood of developing Schizophrenia if it runs in your family. In the general population only 1% of people develop it over their lifetime, but if one parent has this diagnosis, the children have a 10% chance of developing the condition – but also 90% chance of NOT developing it as well.

Biochemical Factor

Particular chemicals in the brain are believed to affect Schizophrenia, including a neurotransmitter called dopamine. One possible cause of this chemical imbalance is a person’s genetic predisposition to the illness.

Environmental Factor

These can include things such as substance abuse and complications during pregnancy or birth that cause structural damage to the brain.

Family relationships has been suggested but no supporting evidence has been found. It is possible that some people with Schizophrenia may be sensitive to family tension, which could be associated with recurrent episodes.

To read more about potential causes please check this article out: https://www.healthline.com/health/schizophrenia#symptoms or https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-w-whatschiz-toc~mental-pubs-w-whatschiz-cau

Schizophrenia Awareness Week – App of the Day!

The Schizophrenia app has been suggested because it ‘translates’ diagnoses for people who are having trouble understanding their doctors. It helps to break down information into digestible and easily understandable language to ensure they have the important details they need to avoid people feelings like they are alone or silly for not being able to understand.

The app uses comic strip style imagery and shows rea life examples of situations such as talking to other people about schizophrenia and aspects of the illness. Users can find general information as well as ways to relate to what they are experiencing.

Take a look or download it on the app store today!