Causes of schizophrenia Researchers have not been able to
pinpoint any definite cause of schizophrenia yet. However,
experts do not believe that drug abuse causes schizophrenia,
although schizophrenics use drugs more in comparison to the
entire population. And, an abnormal balance of the
neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate may have something to
do with schizophrenia. Problems during birth or during
development while in the womb may be a contributing cause of
schizophrenia. Scientists have speculated that malnutrition
while the baby is in the womb may be one contributing cause.
Also possible is exposure to viruses while the baby is
developing in the womb. Doctors believe that a person's genetic
make-up plays some role in developing schizophrenia. It's also
worthwhile to note that 10% of all schizophrenics have an
immediate family member (a parent or sibling) who has been
diagnosed with schizophrenia as well. However, environmental
factors are also thought to trigger the onset of the mental
illness. Enviro