Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex illness. Experts don't know what causes it or why some people get it and others don't. But some things increase your chances of getting it. These are called risk factors.

You may be at risk for schizophrenia if:

• Your mother, father, brother, or sister has schizophrenia.
• Your mother had certain problems while she was pregnant with you. For example, if your mother didn't get enough to eat (malnutrition), had a viral infection, or took certain medicines for high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk.
• You or a family member have another Reference disorder that is like schizophrenia. An example of this is a delusional disorder, which means you believe things that you know are false.
• You have a Reference problem with alcohol or drugs Opens New Window. Experts don't know whether substance abuse triggers schizophrenia or whether schizophrenia makes a person more likely to have this problem.

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