What biological factors have been associated with schizophrenia?

The association of genetics and excess dopamine activity with schizophrenia is well-supported by research. Studies indicate that there is a hereditary component to schizophrenia, meaning that individuals with a family history of the disorder have a higher risk of developing it themselves. This genetic predisposition is thought to interact with environmental factors to contribute to the onset of the disorder.

Additionally, the dopamine hypothesis is a central theory in understanding schizophrenia. It posits that overactivity of dopamine in certain pathways in the brain is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Medications that block dopamine receptors often alleviate these symptoms, further supporting the connection between dopamine levels and schizophrenia.

While serotonin deficiency and high levels of cortisol have been studied in relation to various mental health conditions, they are not considered primary biological factors in schizophrenia like dopamine activity is. Lastly, environmental factors alone cannot account for the complexity of schizophrenia, as both biological and environmental factors are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the disorder’s etiology.