Schizophrenia is a chronic cognitive disorder that affect s more than 21 million of the world’s adult population. The disorder is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, anosognosia, agitated body movements and loss of touch with reality ( Hadlich et al., 2010) . Numerous studies have been carried out on the disorder’s predisposing factors as well as the possible treatment and therapy remedies for Schizophrenia patients. This essay is ai med at discuss ing the biological and neurological causes of Schizophrenia. Likewise, it will identify whether the condition is a function of biology or the environment. Lastly, the paper will highlight the biological and environmental treatments for the condition.
Schizophrenia manifests earlier in males than in female s. Often, this takes place between the age of 16 and 30 years. In a previous analysis of a patient’s genealogy , it was found that an individual whose first-degree relative has the same disorder has a 10 percent likelihood of developing the disorder. Likewise, t he likelihood of the disorder manifesting amongst identical twins is 50% if one is diagnosed with the disorder ( Hadlich et al., 2010 ). This indicates the role of genetics in the condition’s manifestation (Walder et al. , 2014 ).
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Through imaging of a Schizophrenia patient’s brains, scientists have shown that variances exist between the brain of schizophrenia patients and that of normal humans. This has been attributed to foetal stress which leads to impaired brain development before birth (Walder et al., 2014). It is also believed that brain development during puberty may cause an imbalance of glutamate and dopamine neurotransmitters, possibly leading to the disorder. Research has also established that drug abuse, malnutrition, and exposure to viruses during childbirth are environmental predisposing factors of this disorder. Schizophrenia is a complex condition and has numerous possible causes which can predispose individuals to the disorder ( Hadlich et al., 2010). This implies that associating it primarily with either environmental or biological factors might be incorrect.
Medical practitioners use both biological and therapeutic remedies to eradicate the symptoms of Schizophrenia (Walder et al., 2014). Biologically, Schizophrenia is associated with neurotransmitter levels, genetic abnormalities and irregularities in the brain structure. Biological treatments are thus aimed at restoring these to their normal levels and functioning. A notable example is the administration of antipsychotic drugs and psychotherapy. Therapists help the patients cope with their day to day lives. They also educate patients on the side effects of the medication as well as its symptoms. Based on this information, the patients are better placed to cope with these eventualities. Further, families, friends, and society in general also play a vital role in the condition’s treatment and in helping the patients to cope with their day to day activities (Walder et al., 2014; Hadlich et al., 2010) . This is by offering a stable, safe and supportive environment. Through a combination of these approaches, many schizophrenia patients are not only living comfortably but are also positively impacting the society.
References
Hadlich, S. J., Kirov, A., Lampinen, T., & Zonneveld, C. (2010). What causes schizophrenia?. Science , 1-16.
Walder, D. J., Faraone, S. V., Glatt, S. J., Tsuang, M. T., & Seidman, L. J. (2014). Genetic liability, prenatal health, stress and family environment: risk factors in the Harvard Adolescent Family High Risk for Schizophrenia Study. Schizophrenia Research , 157 (1), 142-148.
