Early Environmental Determinants of Schizophrenia

Modern research conceptualizes schizophrenia as a disorder stemming from multiple sources of risk. Genetic vulnerability (having parents with schizophrenia) is the single strongest liability for schizophrenia. Researchers also identify early environmental determinants contributing to the later development of schizophrenia. Some of these early risk factors include maternal health during pregnancy, obstetrical complications through pregnancy, and later rearing circumstances through childhood. This chapter discusses each of these early environmental risk factors in turn.