A comprehensive study of the environmental, neurophysiological, biochemical, and genetic factors influencing the genesis of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, or "splitting of the mind", is defined as a clinically heterogeneous psychotic disorder. The illness develops gradually and is characterized by disorganization of thought processes, delusions, hallucinations, bizarre behavior, catatonia, and deficits in emotional expressivity and psychosocial functioning (Brunello et al., 1997). This severe mental disorder usually develops during the late adolescent or early adult years. The disease affects about one percent of the United States population and roughly 20 million individuals worldwide (Pulver et al., 1996).Strong environmental, neurophysiological, biochemical/metabolic, and genetic factors have been implicated in the emergence of schizophrenia. In a number of studies, abnormalities in the growth and function of neural structures within the brain, as well as point mutations and several chromosomal aberrations within the genome of schizophrenic patients, have demonstrated a significant role in the origin of this debilitating condition.The purpose of this research paper is to examine the aforementioned factors implicated in schizophrenia. Upon doing so, a conclusion as to how and why this disorder develops as well as future research ventures in schizophrenia will be presented.Department of BiologyThesis (M.A.