Substance-bound cause

There is much debate about whether drugs can lead to manifest schizophrenia, and if so, which ones. The most common discussion is about the connection between the use of cannabis and the occurrence of schizophrenia. In the case of cannabis, it is assumed that excessive abuse, especially in childhood and adolescence, can promote the onset of psychosis.

It is assumed that cannabis alone is not the trigger. Presumably, a genetic predisposition, the expression of which is reinforced by the use of cannabis, leads to the more likely occurrence of schizophrenia.Other drugs can lead to substance-induced psychosis, which can cause hallucinations and delusions, among other things. Unlike in real schizophrenia, however, the drug user can usually recognize that the hallucinations are triggered by the substance.

A patient suffering from schizophrenia cannot recognize that the hallucinations and delusions do not correspond to reality. Alcohol does not lead directly to schizophrenia. However, like other drugs, alcohol can lead to substance-induced psychosis, the symptoms of which may, under certain circumstances, resemble those of schizophrenia.

However, if a person suffering from schizophrenia drinks alcohol, this can lead to a new attack. Therefore, these patients are advised to avoid alcohol and other drugs. Especially during treatment with neuroleptics, which relieve the symptoms of schizophrenia and are essential for the successful treatment of schizophrenia, alcohol should not be drunk. Neuroleptics have a strong attenuating effect, alcohol would intensify this effect and make it unpredictable.

The social environment as a cause?

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease. Therefore, causes from the social environment also play a role in the course of the disease. In the past, it was even assumed that people who do not have a stable social environment are more likely to develop schizophrenia.

Although this assumption has now been refuted, it is of decisive importance for the prognosis of the disease how well the patient is socially integrated. The prognosis is best for married women who are more extroverted and have a strong social environment. The probability of being cured is highest for these patients.

However, the prognosis is worst for single men who are more introverted. For these men, the probability of the disease taking a chronic course is higher. Conversely, it can be said that good social integration cannot prevent schizophrenia, but it can significantly improve the course of the disease.