Delusions Mistaken belief of persecution, guilt or grandeur. Delusion often persists despite being presented with logic. May feel thoughts are being controlled by others, being broadcast in public or believe they have extraordinary powers. Thought Disorder Speech is disconnected, illogical and jumbled. Causes There are a number of theories about what causes schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia tends to run in families.
Generally though, a range of factors have to be present for schizophrenia to develop. Stressful events may precede or increase the chances of someone already vulnerable to developing schizophrenia. Many researchers believe an excess of a certain neurotransmitter, a chemical critical to communication between brain cells, plays a part. Increased levels of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, may explain some of the psychotic symptoms. The Latest Research Findings Scientists at the Institute have recently made some important breakthroughs.