What Is My Risk Of Developing Schizophrenia? What Harvard Health Publishing And More Doctors Think.

Schizophrenia image

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

Schizophrenia is a chronic (long-lasting) brain disorder that is easily misunderstood. Although symptoms may vary widely, people with schizophrenia frequently have a hard time recognizing reality, thinking logically and behaving naturally in social situations. Schizophrenia affects about 1 in every 100 people worldwide. Experts believe schizophrenia results from a combination of genetic and environmental causes. The chance of having schizophrenia is 10% if an immediate family member (a parent or sibling) has the illness. The risk is as high as 65% for those who have an identical twin with schizophrenia.

Answered by Dr. Israel B Dos Santos

Master of Public Health · 1 years of experience · Brazil

Risk factors for schizophrenia include a family history of the disorder, a father who is older in age, autoimmune system abnormalities, and drug abuse during adolescence and early adulthood. Complications during pregnancy or birth are linked to schizophrenia. This includes exposure to viruses or toxins in utero, premature labor, low birth weight, and lack of oxygen during birth. Higher rates of schizophrenia are found in urban areas, among low-income families, where income inequality is significant. Researchers have not pinpointed a single gene that leads to the development of schizophrenia; many genes are thought to play a role. Having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia increases the risk of developing the illness. For example, if you have no first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) or second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, or uncles) diagnosed with schizophrenia, your odds of developing the illness are about one percent. If you have one biological parent who suffers from schizophrenia, your odds of developing it are about 10 percent. Genetics alone, however, does not explain schizophrenia. The majority of people who develop the illness — over 63 percent — do not have first or second-degree relatives diagnosed with the illness. The majority of children who later develop schizophrenia are not different in childhood than other children. Longitudinal research studies find that few children who grew up to be diagnosed with the illness showed any poor academic achievement, poor social skills, delay in developmental milestones (learning to talk), speech, or coordination problems.

→ Learn more about schizophrenia: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to schizophrenia.

Answered by Dr. Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

It’s hard to determine a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia, as there is a diversity of possible factors related to the disease. However, it affects one percent of the world population. Yearly, 15 of 100,000 people are diagnosed with the disease. It’s not common to have the diagnosis after 45 years old.

Answered by Dr. Satish Kumar Saravanan

MBBS · 3 years of experience · India

Stress. Life-changing events. Trauma. Natural disasters.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.