Can abuse cause schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how people perceive and experience reality. Affecting about 1% of the population, schizophrenia usually involves thinking, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms vary but often include delusions, hallucinations, motor symptoms, and negative symptoms.

Delusions, which are false beliefs, may involve the affected person believing that they’re the target of offenses or harassment that isn’t actually happening or have fame or special abilities. Hallucinations involve hearing or seeing things that don’t actually exist, but they are very real for the person experiencing them. Strange motor behavior like odd posture, lack of response, or agitation is common. Negative symptoms like neglecting hygiene or having no emotion may occur.

Symptoms are typically persistent throughout adulthood. Studies have examined potential causes for schizophrenia and conclude that while no single cause contributes to the disorder, a mixture of environment, genetics, and brain chemistry likely influence its development. One factor in environmental considerations is the environment we grow in as children. Studies have long linked childhood abuse and trauma with a high risk of developing mental health disorders later in life. The same is true in schizophrenia.

Changes that occur in the brain may increase the risk of schizophrenia. One theory posits that psychosocial stress like childhood abuse acts on pre-existing genetic or organic vulnerabilities, thus triggering the symptoms of schizophrenia. Hallucinations, a common symptom of schizophrenia, are strongly related to childhood abuse and neglect.

Treatment for schizophrenia is important. Adequate treatment improves the quality of life and functionality for those affected. Typically, symptoms begin in the mid-20s for men and in the late 20s for women. Diagnosis in childhood is rare, as is diagnosis after age 45. When schizophrenia is left untreated, there are increased risks for suicide and suicide attempts, anxiety disorders, depression, loss of ability to attend work or school, isolation, victimization, and financial difficulties. If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Due to the nature of the symptoms, someone with schizophrenia may be unaware of their condition. Family or friends are often the first to notice that something is wrong and seek help for their loved ones as they notice symptoms. If you’re concerned that someone you know may have schizophrenia, speaking with them about your worry is the first step. Offering encouragement for someone to seek professional evaluation and help can make a difference. If someone appears to be unable to care for themselves, emergency services may be necessary.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns that you or someone you know may have symptoms of schizophrenia to obtain guidance and referral resources for treating and managing schizophrenia.