Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Risk for Schizophrenia From Childhood and Adult Infections

Over the past decade there has been increasing numbers of research studies that suggests the infections during pregnancy (influenza, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.) can result in increased risk for developing schizophrenia for the child.

Now, new studies are suggesting that infections during childhood and adulthood may also increase risk for schizophrenia. An article in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past month identifies a study out of Sweden that looked at hospital records for 1.2 million children who were born in the early 1970s to the middle 1980s who were hospitalized for treatment of CNS (Central Nervous System) infections from birth to age 12. The authors report a 50% increased risk of psychosis among individuals who were exposed in childhood to viral CNS infections.

Read the full write-up: The Risk for Schizophrenia From Childhood and Adult Infections (American Journal of Psychiatry)

More information:

The Causes of Schizophrenia

Prevention of Schizophrenia