Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition where the person diagnosed experiences mental disorders. They experience psychosis which is a loss of contact with reality along with mood disorders with includes episodes of depression or anxiety. The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known. A combination of possible causes may play a role. Below are the common risk factors of schizophrenia

Genetics
Genes are the most prominent risk factor of schizophrenia. The condition is observed to run in families. If one has a parent, sibling, or even a close relative is diagnosed with schizophrenia, they are at a higher risk of developing it as well. However, genes alone are not responsible to cause this condition. Though, genes do increase the risk of one being diagnosed with it. Genes along with other “triggers” increase the risk of the condition overall.

Chemical changes in the brain
A series of complex interrelated chemicals in the brain are responsible for sending signals between brain cells, these are known as neurotransmitters. Imbalances or low levels of these chemicals are believed to play a role in the development of this condition and other mental illnesses. Dopamine particularly seems to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. It has been observed that overstimulation of the brain in the people with schizophrenia has been caused by dopamine. Another chemical that has been implicated in schizophrenia is glutamate.

Structural changes in the brain
Subtle physical differences in the brain are observed in the brain of the people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. These changes aren’t seen in each and every person who has this condition. Structural changes in the brain are usually observed in people who have not been diagnosed with mental disorder. According to some researchers, minor differences in the brain structure may play a role in this psychiatric disorder.

Birth complications or pregnancy

Complications before and during birth increase the risk of a person’s mental health disorders this includes schizophrenia as well. Some of these complications are low birth weight, lack of oxygen during delivery, maternal obesity in pregnancy, premature labor, or infection during pregnancy. During pregnancy, women with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of complications. It is unclear whether their children are at the risk of developing this condition due to genes or pregnancy complications or a combination of both.

Prior history of substance use
Use of recreational substances like cannabis, LSD, amphetamines, and cocaine does not cause schizophrenia. However, it has been observed that among people who are at risk of schizophrenia may trigger the symptoms.

Can schizophrenia be prevented?
As there is no specific cause of schizophrenia, there is no sure way of prevention of the same. However, if one has been diagnosed with this condition, sticking to a fixed plan of treatment can reduce the worsening of symptoms or risk of any relapse. Similarly, if one is at an increased risk for the disorders because of some factor like genes, he/she can avoid all possible triggers or other causes of the condition mentioned above.