Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe type of mental illness that happens within the first few weeks of giving birth. Its main symptoms are paranoid delusions, hallucinations, confusion, and disorganized thoughts. It is considered a psychiatric emergency due to the high likelihood of hurting oneself or the baby.

Postpartum Psychosis

An individual may suffer from schizophrenia later in their life if they experience problems in their brain development. Children with obstetric birth complications show a higher risk for schizophrenia. Events that happen to the mother during pregnancy (Influenza, death of a relative) can also increase the child's risk.

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- Genetic causes
- Biological causes
- Brain anatomy
- Pregnancy
- Marijuana

Possible Causes of Schrizophrenia

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Substantial evidence indicates a genetic foundation for schizophrenia. For instance, an individual's risk of developing the disorder is approximately six times higher if they have a parent with schizophrenia compared to someone who does not. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing schizophrenia is directly correlated with the degree of genetic similarity to family members who have been diagnosed with the condition.

Hereditary Component of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is often associated with abnormalities in neurotransmitters. Huge amount of dopamine in the limbic system may be responsible for symptoms such as hallucination, while a low amount in the prefrontal cortex is associated with negative schizophrenic symptoms. Theories such as the Dopamine Hypothesis has also been proposed regarding schizophrenia and dopamine. The relationship between dopamine and serotonin is also being studied and explored. 

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia: Neurotransmitters

People with schizophrenia often have larger ventricles. In their frontal lobe, they may also have less grey matter, which can impact their ability to execute behavior, talk, and focus.

Brain Anatomy and Schizophrenia

Pregnancy and Schizophrenia: The Child

Longitudinal studies suggest that marijuana use is a significant risk factor in the development of schizophrenia. While individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to use marijuana, research indicates a potential causal relationship rather than just a correlation. The risk increases substantially with more frequent use. However, marijuana use is not considered an essential or sufficient cause, as not all individuals with schizophrenia have used it, and most users do not develop the disorder. The evidence suggests that marijuana use may play a role in triggering the illness, particularly in individuals who already have an underlying vulnerability.

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