Causes

There is no single cause of schizophrenia. As with other common chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, different factors acting together are thought to contribute to its development.^[1]

The symptoms of schizophrenia are caused by problems in transferring and processing information within the brain. These problems occur when normal communication between the nerve cells of the brain by release of chemicals is not working as it should.^[2]

Genetic and environmental factors or brain injury around the time of birth have been linked with an increased likelihood of developing schizophrenia,^[2][3] and symptoms may be triggered by events such as a social event or situation such as stress and social isolation. Use of drugs, including cannabis, has also been associated with the development of schizophrenia.^[2][3]