Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder, and the exact causes are not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that a combination of physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of schizophrenia include:

• Genetics: Many genes play a role in a persons likelihood of developing schizophrenia. A change to any of these genes can increase the risk, but usually, its several small changes that add up and lead to a higher risk.

• Brain chemistry and structure: Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia, indicating that schizophrenia is a brain disease.

• Environmental factors: Environmental triggers can interact with genetic changes to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. For example, exposure to certain viral infections before birth or not getting proper nutrition while in the womb may increase the chances of developing schizophrenia. Stressful life events, such as bereavement, losing a job or home, divorce, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, can also trigger the development of schizophrenia in someone already vulnerable to it.

• Drug abuse: Studies have shown that using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD, or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis, or a similar illness. Some research has shown that marijuana use has a similar risk. The younger a person starts and the more often they use these drugs, the more likely they are to have symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, inappropriate emotions, and more.

Its important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, not everyone who experiences them will develop the condition. Schizophrenia is a complex disorder, and more research is needed to fully understand its causes.