Stress is a Larger Factor in Schizophrenia Than Genetics

Schizophrenia is a rare neurobiological illness, which afflicts 1% of the United States population. That 1-% includes my stepfather who was diagnosed at the tender age of 18 while serving our country in Vietnam. There was a time when my mother and the doctors suspected that my younger brother had schizophrenia but he was never formally diagnosed.

When my own son was only fourteen he began to suffer depression and anxiety. At the age of nine he had been diagnosed with asperger's syndrome which is an illness on the autism spectrum. He also has some health issues both physical and neurological related to a perinatal stroke. Asperger's syndrome has occasionally been mistaken for early onset schizophrenia. Although this seemed unlikely in my son's case, he did exhibit similar symptoms including psychosis, which led me to heavily research the subject.

A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be a very frightening and mysterious illness. Although it is well known that this often debilitating mental illness tends to run in families it is not as common as families often fear. If one of your parents has the illness then you will have a 5-10% chance of become ill. If both parents have the diagnosis then you're likely to have a 10-20% chance. Identical twins are the most at risk within families. There is a 50% chance that both twins will become diagnosed. Genetics clearly plays a part, however it is not imminent and there are ways that a person who is at high risk can reduce their chances of becoming ill with schizophrenia.

Onset occurs most frequently between the ages of 15-30. It is very rare for a child under this age or and adult over the age of 35 to become diagnosed with Schizophrenia. It is also more common in men than in women.
Researchers and clinicians have determined four main factors, which they consider to be responsible for the onset of this illness. These four principles grouped together are called the Stress Vulnerability Model. This model not only helps Doctors and therapists understand nature of this illness but can also help to prevent it's onset with those who are high risk during the vulnerable years.

These four factors are biological vulnerability, coping skills, stress and social supports. Biological vulnerability refers to early biological risks such as genetic factors as previously discussed and exposure to a virus or other area of compromise to the immune system between the time of conception and the first few years of life. Researchers are still working hard to understand the biological components of schizophrenia and that is a subject for another article.

Having effective coping skills also plays an important role in whether a person with a biological vulnerability becomes ill. These skills include the ability to handle stress, communication skills, and the ability to relax and regulate one's emotions.

An individual who is already at high risk due to genetic and or neurobiological conditions and who does not have adequate coping skills may begin to show signs of mental illness under the next factor which is environmental stress. Often a person who is diagnosed with schizophrenia appears to be strong and functions well until a significant life event occurs such as the death of a loved one, job loss, leaving home for college, or any number of heavy stress.

The fourth factor and final factor is support. Sometimes this may be indicated by proper lack of family support. Like many families some individuals with schizophrenia come from dysfunctional families but this is often not the case. Lack of support here means the individual may not have a strong system of support around them. If they do not know how to ask for help and communicate their needs and if others do not know the triggers or danger signs, it may not be until a breakdown that family members and friends will realize their loved one needs help.

As I mentioned earlier, the stress vulnerability model provides a framework for recovery. There is no cure for the biological vulnerability which causes schizophrenia but with proper medication along with a strong support system and treatment program which includes reducing environmental stresses, coping skills instruction, relaxation and social outlets, the individual who suffers from schizophrenia has a good chance to lead a fulfilling and independent life.

There is always the possibility of a relapse and it will take great effort on the part of the individual to recover but there is hope. There is still alot of confusion and misunderstanding regarding this mental illness in the media and community.

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with schizophrenia, I strongly encourage you to seek out a strong support system. NAMI and the National Empowerment Center are two wonderful consumer based organizations, which have tremendously helped me to understand this little understood illness.

I also strongly recommend reading "The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia" by Kim Mueser, Ph.D. and Susan Grigerich, MSW. It is the most comprehensive source I have found on this mental illness and has been a great help to me. Remember that there is always hope.