In fact, people with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators, and they tend to be shy and socially withdrawn. Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling and puzzling mental disorders. Generally, schizophrenia begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Research indicates a genetic link to the development of schizophrenia. A child who has one parent with schizophrenia, for example, has about a 10 percent chance of developing the illness, compared with a one percent chance if neither parent has schizophrenia.
Current research implicates abnormalities in both the brain's structure and biochemical activities.
Imbalances in the chemical messenger dopamine, for example, may underlie some cases of schizophrenia. The good news is that more than 50 percent of those who have schizophrenia can work, live in the community or with their families, and enjoy friends if they receive continuous, appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that other psychotic disorders, such as those caused by drug use or exposure to toxins, can share many of these symptoms. Antipsychotic medications help bring biochemical imbalances closer to normal. The newer drugs may also be effective for symptoms such as social withdrawal, extreme apathy, and blunted emotional expression.