Trauma-Induced Schizophrenia

More and more research and clinical data indicate that unresolved trauma is frequently a root cause of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia. A general definition of trauma is that it is the response to events that threaten a person’s sense of safety. Traumatic events ignite our innate fight-or-flight response. When the brain gets stuck in this response, we experience the physical and psychological symptoms of trauma.

Due to the nature of their jobs, military personnel are at higher risk of experiencing trauma that can contribute to SUD and mental health issues. Most active-duty military do not receive treatment, and their symptoms worsen so that by the time they return to civilian life, they are often struggling with co-occurring disorders. The good news is that drug and alcohol rehab for veterans is now more accessible than ever before. To learn more, call us today at 866.605.0532.

Can Schizophrenia Be Caused By Trauma?

Schizophrenia is rare, affecting only about 1% of the population. The exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown, but research has identified several risk factors for its development, including the following:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry or structure
• Environmental influences
• Substance abuse

Trauma is considered a main environmental contributor to the development of schizophrenia, particularly in children who experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including neglect and physical or sexual abuse. Prolonged exposure to severe environmental stressors during the developmental years may affect brain development and cause physiological changes in the biological system.

The onset of schizophrenia symptoms typically begins following puberty. While schizophrenia affects men and women equally, men tend to be diagnosed earlier, in their late teens and early 20s, and women later, in their late 20s and early 30s.

Recognizing Schizophrenia in the Military

Recognizing schizophrenia in military personnel can be particularly difficult. Due to the high-stress environment, demand for psychological resilience, and the likelihood of exposure to repeated traumatic events, military service can both exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and trigger the onset of new ones.

We know that the brain is not fully developed until age 25. Over one-half of active-duty military personnel are 25 or younger, and the next largest age group is 26–30 years old. We also know that many young military recruits come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds where environmental risk factors may be more prevalent. Abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs is also high among these age groups, particularly in the military.

PTSD is prevalent among military personnel, and many of the symptoms of schizophrenia can mimic those of PTSD. Given all of these factors, medical professionals and other leaders in the military need to be able to recognize potential signs of schizophrenia, such as:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Unusual or disorganized thinking and speech
• Agitated body movements.
• Losing touch with some aspects of reality
• Catatonic or bizarre behavior
• Flat affect – facial expressions and voice tones that are devoid of emotion
• Lack of motivation
• Reduced pleasure in daily life activities
• Difficulty maintaining basic activities of daily living

Undiagnosed or misdiagnosed schizophrenia in military personnel can potentially be much more dangerous than among civilians because of the nature of the work they do.

The Relationship Between Dopamine and Schizophrenia

While the exact causes of schizophrenia are yet to be determined, research suggests that abnormalities in dopamine levels, including excesses and deficiencies, may play a significant role. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that help nerve cells communicate. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in brain processes, including:

• Motivation and reward
• Mood
• Movement
• Attention, learning, and memory
• Sleep and dreaming

Neurotransmitters travel along pathways that help different parts of the brain communicate. In the pathways that appear to be strongly associated with schizophrenia symptoms, dopamine is the primary messenger. As researchers develop a further understanding of the relationship between dopamine and schizophrenia, treatment providers will be able to hone medical and therapeutic approaches to provide more effective treatment for individuals struggling with this complex condition.

Contact Beaches Recovery for More Information on Trauma-Induced Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe but rare mental health condition that can profoundly impact a person’s ability to function in many areas of daily life. Research indicates that past or current trauma, including military service, can influence the onset of schizophrenic symptoms.

Suppose you think you or a loved one might be struggling with schizophrenia. In that case, Beaches Recovery can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a course of treatment best suited to your needs. Contact us today by calling 866.605.0532 or using our online contact form.