Discuss what genetic, prenatal conditions, birth complications, and types of communication patterns within families have been found to be related to the development schizophrenia

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer will include that there is little doubt that heredity is a factor in schizophrenia. It appears that some individuals inherit a potential for developing schizophrenia. They are more vulnerable to the disorder than others are. If one identical twin becomes schizophrenic, then the other twin has a 48 percent chance of also becoming schizophrenic. In general, schizophrenia is clearly more common among close relatives and it tends to run in families. In addition, it has been found that the older a man is (even if he doesn't suffer from schizophrenia) when he fathers a child, the more likely it is that the child will develop schizophrenia. Apparently, genetic mutations occur in aging male reproductive cells and increase the risk of schizophrenia (as well as other medical problems). It has also been found that women who are exposed to the influenza virus or to rubella during the middle of pregnancy have children who are more likely to become schizophrenic. Malnutrition during pregnancy and complications at the time of birth can have a similar impact. Possibly, such events disturb brain development, leaving people more vulnerable to a psychotic break with reality. Early psychological trauma (a psychological injury or shock) may also add to the risk. Often, the victims of schizophrenia were exposed to violence, sexual abuse, death, divorce, separation, or other stresses in childhood. Living in a troubled family is a related risk factor. In a disturbed family environment, stressful relationships, communication patterns, and negative emotions prevail. Deviant communication patterns cause anxiety, confusion, anger, conflict, and turmoil. Typically, disturbed families interact in ways that are laden with guilt, prying, criticism, negativity, and emotional attacks.