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ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA - Causes | ||||||||||||||
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Apprehension and feelings of guilt
Those afflicted, family members and friends all worriedly ask the question, where does schizophrenia come from? They ask themselves whether or not another way of life could have prevented the outbreak and who's fault it is. Especially the search for, and questions about guilt burdens the atmosphere between those suffering from schizophrenia and their families. To this point, no one knows exactly how the psychoses of schizophrenia arise. There are although, numerous assumptions, theories and findings. Based on what is known about the disease at this point it is impossible to find a monocausal explanation for schizophrenia, meaning a singular factor to explain the illness. It is more likely that multiple factors combine to create a causal fabric consisting of biological, psychological and social conditions. Further research on these primary facilitating variables is of great importance. The better we understand the causes of schizophrenia, the more targeted and dependable treatments can become and the recurrence of symptoms reduced. Possible influencing variables Psychological Factors For a long time it was mistakenly thought that so called "schizophrenogenic mothers", those mothers that were the "cold, dominant, and conflict triggering parent", gave their children no chance but to become schizophrenic. It is easy to see how much pain this assertion caused the families of the afflicted. Since then, it has been disproved scientifically and therefore completely rejected. It was also contended that the families of schizophrenic patients in some instances differed from normal families; for example that they fostered unclear forms of communication and have many internal conflicts. Communication breakdowns are common in many families and are in no way particular to families with a member that suffers from schizophrenia. In some studies there has been a connection demonstrated between the time spent with the family and a noticeably overly intensive emotional relationship (especially an excessively critical attitude and/or inordinate levels of care and attachment). In such cases, the relationship between highly emotional families and the incidence of relapse of the afflicted family member can be established. Too intensive and too strongly expressed emotions can be so stressful for the patient that the risk of relapse increases. But, the emotional family atmosphere plays a more important role in the progression of schizophrenia than in the onset of the disease. Progression studies have shown that the outbreak and progression of schizophrenic psychoses are jointly influenced by psycho-sociological conditions: the occurrence of ordeals in life - so called 'life events'. Before the onset of schizophrenic illness the occurrence of such life events is notably more frequent. Primarily, it has to do with interpersonal conflicts: on the one hand it is the lack of affection and loss of interpersonal connections, on the other, too much affection and too intense feelings of intimacy can overwhelm a person with schizophrenic illness. Genetic Factors A genetic predisposition is considered today to be unfounded: the results of numerous studies indicate that the frequency of the illness in relatives of schizophrenic patients is higher than in the general population. The fact that the rate of concordance between identical twins is at only about 44% shows that besides inheritance factors, other circumstances influencing the onset of the illness must exist. In order to be completely inheritance dependent, the concordance rate must be exactly as high as the genetic concurrence - 100%, meaning that both twins must inherit the illness. Biochemical Factors A series of findings indicate that conspicuous features within the nervous system, the so-called neurotransmitters exist in the brain of the afflicted. The main hypothesis suggests a connection to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Tests have shown that an above average level of dopamine, a substance that increases the sensitivity of brain cells to stimulation, is present in schizophrenic patients. Typically, this higher level of consciousness is useful in stress or danger situations. For a person suffering from schizophrenia though, it can lead to a hyperactive condition in the brain and therefore cause a psychosis. An interaction of influencing variables None of these factors listed can, on it's own, trigger a schizophrenic illness. The most recent scientific studies suggest a system composed of multiple factors, the so-called "Diathese-Stress-Model". This model indicates that many people are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia and it largely depends on the "mental strength" of the person as well as life's external factors whether or not the schizophrenia will occur. Those who come down with schizophrenia tend to be more sensitive to internal as well as external stimuli. Stressful situations combined with the lack of means to come to terms with them can trigger a schizophrenic psychosis. Vulnerability, so to say violability is the key. Being less tough than others is neither an embarrassment nor a weakness. Sensitivity in interactions with people and things provides the chance for deep experience, intense relationships and the shaping of a creative life. It is no one's fault. Composed by the Anti-Stigma-Workgroup of the LMU in association with BASTA - the association for the mentally ill. |
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