Early life adversities, including trauma, may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia in people with a genetic predisposition to it.

Researchers believe schizophrenia develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including major stressors like trauma in childhood and adolescence.

Research suggests genetic factors account for approximately 80% of the risk, and interplay among approximately 130 genes may potentially contribute to its development.

People with schizophrenia are 2.7 times more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences than people without schizophrenia.

That’s because trauma can cause changes in the brain that may make developing schizophrenia more likely.

For instance, it can affect how dopamine functions in the brain, a process that is strongly associated with the development of psychosis and schizophrenia. Excessive and reduced dopamine activity are correlated with symptoms of schizophrenia.

Adverse childhood experiences that may contribute to schizophrenia include long-term environmental stressors like:

While these traumatic events on their own do not cause schizophrenia, they may interact with genetic risk factors to increase the likelihood of developing it.

Research is still needed to determine whether interventions, such as therapy while these effects are ongoing, may reduce the risk.

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental illness. It doesn’t have a cure, but treatment may help manage the symptoms. Treatment can vary depending on the specific symptoms and needs.

Various types of medications may help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. It’s important to work with a doctor to determine the best treatment plan. Types of mediations can include:

  • antipsychotics
  • antidepressants
  • mood stabilizers
  • anti-anxiety medications
  • medications for movement disorders that may result from certain medications

Doctors also recommend psychotherapy, or talk therapy, to help treat schizophrenia. Therapy may help:

  • relieve anxiety symptoms
  • relieve depression symptoms
  • reduce the risk of a relapse of depression
  • improve psychosocial functioning, or functioning day-to-day

Treatment typically requires a combination of medication and therapy to relieve symptoms and prevent psychosis.

People who experience psychosis may require additional treatment.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency, it’s important to get care as soon as possible. In this situation, call 911 or your local emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Schizophrenia results from both genetic and environmental factors.

In people with schizophrenia, childhood trauma may have an adverse effect on brain function, including:

  • working memory
  • executive function
  • verbal learning
  • attention

Both schizophrenia and trauma are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain.