Are you born with schizophrenia
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Are You Born with Schizophrenia?
Genetic and Environmental Factors in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While there is a significant genetic component, as evidenced by the increased risk among first-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia, genetics alone do not account for all cases5. Even identical twins, who share the same genetic makeup, do not always both develop the disorder, indicating that other factors are at play5.
Season of Birth and Schizophrenia Risk
Several studies have found a correlation between the season of birth and the risk of developing schizophrenia. Individuals born in winter or spring have a slightly higher risk of developing the disorder compared to those born in summer or autumn1 3 4. This seasonal effect is more pronounced in higher latitudes and may be related to environmental factors such as viral infections or nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy1 4.
Prenatal Infections and Schizophrenia
Exposure to viral infections during pregnancy, particularly influenza, has been linked to an increased risk of schizophrenia in the offspring. Studies have shown that individuals born during or shortly after influenza pandemics have a higher prevalence of schizophrenia3 9. Animal models support this finding, demonstrating that prenatal viral infections can lead to brain structural abnormalities and behavioral changes similar to those seen in schizophrenia7.
Obstetric Complications and Schizophrenia
Obstetric complications, such as premature birth and delivery by cesarean section, are more common in individuals who later develop schizophrenia. These complications may contribute to the neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with the disorder5 8. Additionally, maternal-foetal genotype incompatibility has been proposed as a risk factor, with later-born children in multiply affected families showing more severe forms of schizophrenia6.
Early Developmental Indicators
Birth cohort studies have identified several early developmental indicators that differentiate individuals who later develop schizophrenia from the general population. These include behavioral disturbances, intellectual and language deficits, and early motor delays2. These findings suggest that the developmental trajectory of individuals with schizophrenia diverges from that of their peers early in life.
Conclusion
In summary, while you are not born with schizophrenia in the sense that it is immediately apparent at birth, various genetic and environmental factors present from conception and early development significantly influence the risk of developing the disorder. Factors such as season of birth, prenatal infections, and obstetric complications play crucial roles in the neurodevelopmental pathways leading to schizophrenia. Understanding these factors can help in developing preventive strategies and early interventions to mitigate the risk.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Northern Hemisphere season of birth studies in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia patients are more likely to be born in winter/spring compared to the general population, with a small positive correlation between odds ratios and latitude.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedThe antecedents of schizophrenia: a review of birth cohort studies.
Birth cohort studies reveal that individuals who develop schizophrenia have behavioral disturbances, intellectual deficits, and early motor delays, as well as a wide range of potential risk factors.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedBeing Born in Winter–Spring and at Around the Time of an Influenza Pandemic Are Risk Factors for the Development of Schizophrenia: The Apna Study in Navarre, Spain
Being born in winter-spring and during an influenza pandemic are independent risk factors for developing schizophrenia.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalSeason of Birth in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenic patients without a family history of psychiatric disorders are more likely to be born in winter, suggesting an environmental factor as a greater aetiological factor.
Observational StudyHighly CitedIs schizophrenia a neurodevelopmental disorder?
Schizophrenia may be a neurodevelopmental disorder, with obstetric complications and early brain damage potentially increasing the risk of the disorder.
Highly CitedBirth order and the severity of illness in schizophrenia
Later birth order is associated with a more severe form of schizophrenia, reduced likelihood of regaining premorbid functioning, and earlier age of presentation.
Observational StudyViral infection, inflammation and schizophrenia
Prenatal viral/bacterial infections and inflammation play a major role in the genesis of schizophrenia, with evidence supporting the viral model in mice and rodents.
Highly CitedObstetric and perinatal health outcomes related to schizophrenia: A national register-based follow-up study among Finnish women born between 1965 and 1980 and their offspring
Schizophrenia increases the risk of specific delivery methods and negative perinatal health outcomes for offspring, but delivery complications are rare and their prevalence is similar to that observed among community women.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalBeing Born during a Flu Pandemic as Risk Factors for Development of Schizophrenia
Being born during a flu pandemic may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, and influenza vaccination in pregnant women may reduce this risk.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalAutism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia: An updated conceptual review
ASD and schizophrenia overlap at various levels, affecting symptoms, perception, cognition, biomarkers, and genetic and environmental risk factors.
Systematic ReviewRigorous Journal