🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 75 (from laksa140)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa075.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/causes\/","crawl_time":1775803518,"first_indexed_time":1615524872,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,nhs,www!\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/causes\/ s443","src_root_hash":"11359509702434384875","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Causes - Schizophrenia - NHS","meta_descriptions":["Read about the causes of schizophrenia. The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors are responsible."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition.\nSome people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not.\nIncreased risk\nGenetics\nSchizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible.\nIt's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia.\nEvidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes.\nIn identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately. \nIn non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition.\nWhile this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia.\nDifferences in brain development\nStudies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains.\nThese changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain.\nNeurotransmitters\nNeurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells.\nIt is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains.\nMedicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people.\nThis suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia.\nPregnancy and birth complications\nResearch has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as:\na low birthweight\npremature labour\na lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth\nIt may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development.\nTriggers\nTriggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk.\nThese include:\nStress\nThe main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as:\nbereavement\nlosing your job or home\ndivorce\nthe end of a relationship\nphysical, sexual or emotional abuse\nThese kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it.\nDrug abuse\nStudies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.\nIt is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs.\nIf people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better.\nResearch has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis.\nWant to know more?\nMind:\nHow can recreational drugs affect mental health?\nMind: \nWhat causes schizophrenia?","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/causes\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- Browse More\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n3. [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n4. [Mental health conditions](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/)\n5. [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/)\n\n[Back to Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/)\n\n# Causes - Schizophrenia\n**The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition.**\n\nSome people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not.\n\n## Increased risk\n### Genetics\nSchizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible.\n\nIt's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia.\n\nEvidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes.\n\nIn identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately.\n\nIn non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition.\n\nWhile this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia.\n\n### Differences in brain development\nStudies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains.\n\nThese changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain.\n\n### Neurotransmitters\nNeurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells.\n\nIt is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains.\n\nMedicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people.\n\nThis suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia.\n\n### Pregnancy and birth complications\nResearch has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as:\n\n- a low birthweight\n- premature labour\n- a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth\n\nIt may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development.\n\n## Triggers\nTriggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk.\n\nThese include:\n\n### Stress\nThe main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as:\n\n- bereavement\n- losing your job or home\n- divorce\n- the end of a relationship\n- physical, sexual or emotional abuse\n\nThese kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it.\n\n## Drug abuse\nStudies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.\n\nIt is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs.\n\nIf people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better.\n\nResearch has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis.\n\n### Want to know more?\n- Mind: [How can recreational drugs affect mental health?](https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/drugs-recreational-drugs-alcohol\/effect-on-mental-health\/#.XbrJduj7SUk)\n- Mind: [What causes schizophrenia?](http:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/schizophrenia\/causes\/)\n\n## More in [Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/)\n- [Overview - Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/overview\/)\n- [Symptoms - Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/symptoms\/)\n- Causes - Schizophrenia\n- [Diagnosis - Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/diagnosis\/)\n- [Treatment - Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/treatment\/)\n- [Living with - Schizophrenia](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/schizophrenia\/living-with\/)\n\nPage last reviewed: 13 April 2023   \n Next review due: 13 April 2026\n\n## Support links\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/covid-19\/)\n\n- [NHS App](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-app\/)\n- [Find my NHS number](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/find-nhs-number\/)\n- [View your GP health record](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/gps\/view-your-gp-health-record\/)\n- [View your test results](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/view-your-test-results\/)\n- [About the NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/about-the-nhs\/)\n- [Healthcare abroad](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/healthcare-abroad\/)\n\n- [Other NHS websites](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-sites\/)\n- [Profile editor login](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/profile-editor-login\/)\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/about-us\/)\n- [Report an issue with the NHS website](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website)\n- [Accessibility statement](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Our policies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/choose-your-cookie-settings\/)\n\n© Crown copyright","attrs_readable_markdown":"**The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition.**\n\nSome people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not.\n\n## Increased risk\n### Genetics\nSchizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible.\n\nIt's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia.\n\nEvidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes.\n\nIn identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately.\n\nIn non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition.\n\nWhile this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia.\n\n### Differences in brain development\nStudies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains.\n\nThese changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain.\n\n### Neurotransmitters\nNeurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells.\n\nIt is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains.\n\nMedicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people.\n\nThis suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia.\n\n### Pregnancy and birth complications\nResearch has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as:\n\n- a low birthweight\n- premature labour\n- a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth\n\nIt may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development.\n\n## Triggers\nTriggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk.\n\nThese include:\n\n### Stress\nThe main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as:\n\n- bereavement\n- losing your job or home\n- divorce\n- the end of a relationship\n- physical, sexual or emotional abuse\n\nThese kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it.\n\n## Drug abuse\nStudies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.\n\nIt is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs.\n\nIf people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better.\n\nResearch has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis.\n\n### Want to know more?\n- Mind: [How can recreational drugs affect mental health?](https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/drugs-recreational-drugs-alcohol\/effect-on-mental-health\/#.XbrJduj7SUk)\n- Mind: [What causes schizophrenia?](http:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/schizophrenia\/causes\/)","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/
Last Crawled	2026-04-10 06:45:18 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2021-03-12 04:54:32 (5 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Causes - Schizophrenia - NHS
Meta Description	Read about the causes of schizophrenia. The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but research suggests a combination of factors are responsible.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not. Increased risk Genetics Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible. It's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia. Evidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes. In identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately. In non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition. While this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia. Differences in brain development Studies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains. These changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain. Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells. It is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains. Medicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people. This suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Pregnancy and birth complications Research has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as: a low birthweight premature labour a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth It may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development. Triggers Triggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk. These include: Stress The main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as: bereavement losing your job or home divorce the end of a relationship physical, sexual or emotional abuse These kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it. Drug abuse Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness. It is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs. If people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better. Research has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis. Want to know more? Mind: How can recreational drugs affect mental health? Mind: What causes schizophrenia?
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/#maincontent) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - Browse More 1. [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) 3. [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) 4. [Mental health conditions](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/) 5. [Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/) [Back to Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/) # Causes - Schizophrenia The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not. ## Increased risk ### Genetics Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible. It's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia. Evidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes. In identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately. In non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition. While this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia. ### Differences in brain development Studies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains. These changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain. ### Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells. It is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains. Medicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people. This suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia. ### Pregnancy and birth complications Research has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as: - a low birthweight - premature labour - a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth It may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development. ## Triggers Triggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk. These include: ### Stress The main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as: - bereavement - losing your job or home - divorce - the end of a relationship - physical, sexual or emotional abuse These kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it. ## Drug abuse Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness. It is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs. If people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better. Research has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis. ### Want to know more? - Mind: [How can recreational drugs affect mental health?](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/drugs-recreational-drugs-alcohol/effect-on-mental-health/#.XbrJduj7SUk) - Mind: [What causes schizophrenia?](http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia/causes/) ## More in [Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/) - [Overview - Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/overview/) - [Symptoms - Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms/) - Causes - Schizophrenia - [Diagnosis - Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis/) - [Treatment - Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/treatment/) - [Living with - Schizophrenia](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/living-with/) Page last reviewed: 13 April 2023 Next review due: 13 April 2026 ## Support links - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [COVID-19](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/) - [NHS App](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) - [Find my NHS number](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/) - [View your GP health record](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/view-your-gp-health-record/) - [View your test results](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/view-your-test-results/) - [About the NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/) - [Healthcare abroad](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/) - [Other NHS websites](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-sites/) - [Profile editor login](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/profile-editor-login/) - [About us](https://www.nhs.uk/about-us/) - [Report an issue with the NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website) - [Accessibility statement](https://www.nhs.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Our policies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/) - [Cookies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/choose-your-cookie-settings/) © Crown copyright
Readable Markdown	The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown. Research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode. However, it's not known why some people develop symptoms while others do not. ## Increased risk ### Genetics Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible. It's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia. Evidence that the disorder is partly inherited comes from studies of twins. Identical twins share the same genes. In identical twins, if a twin develops schizophrenia, the other twin has a 1 in 2 chance of developing it, too. This is true even if they're raised separately. In non-identical twins, who have different genetic make-ups, when a twin develops schizophrenia, the other only has a 1 in 8 chance of developing the condition. While this is higher than in the general population, where the chance is about 1 in 100, it suggests genes are not the only factor influencing the development of schizophrenia. ### Differences in brain development Studies of people with schizophrenia have shown there are subtle differences in the structure of their brains. These changes are not seen in everyone with schizophrenia and can occur in people who do not have a mental illness. But they suggest schizophrenia may partly be a disorder of the brain. ### Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells. It is thought people with schizophrenia may have different amounts of certain neurotransmitters in their brains. Medicines that help lower the amounts of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, can help with the symptoms of schizophrenia in some people. This suggests neurotransmitters play a role in the development of schizophrenia. ### Pregnancy and birth complications Research has shown people who develop schizophrenia are more likely to have experienced complications before and during their birth, such as: - a low birthweight - premature labour - a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during birth It may be that these things have a subtle effect on brain development. ## Triggers Triggers are things that can cause schizophrenia to develop in people who are at risk. These include: ### Stress The main psychological triggers of schizophrenia are stressful life events, such as: - bereavement - losing your job or home - divorce - the end of a relationship - physical, sexual or emotional abuse These kinds of experiences, although stressful, do not cause schizophrenia. However, they can trigger its development in someone already vulnerable to it. ## Drug abuse Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness. It is not clear if using drugs directly causes symptoms in people who are susceptible to schizophrenia, or if they are more likely to use drugs. If people have previously had episodes of psychosis or schizophrenia, using drugs can cause a relapse or stop symptoms from getting better. Research has shown that teenagers and young adults who use cannabis regularly are more likely to develop schizophrenia in later adulthood. The risk may be higher when using stronger forms of cannabis. ### Want to know more? - Mind: [How can recreational drugs affect mental health?](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/drugs-recreational-drugs-alcohol/effect-on-mental-health/#.XbrJduj7SUk) - Mind: [What causes schizophrenia?](http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia/causes/)
Shard	75 (laksa)
Root Hash	11359509702434384875
Unparsed URL	uk,nhs,www!/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/causes/ s443