Schizophrenia is a known serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Contrary to the public's notion, schizophrenia is not split personality or multiple personalities. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others.
As we know it, too much consumption of anything can really be harmful to our body and our health. For decades now, the topic about drug abuse bringing the risk of developing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses has been very controversial and widely debated.
As per CTV News, researchers have a found that any form of substance abuse can actually trigger and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia six times higher. Not only that, as the risk is also known to be increasing 10 to 15 years after being diagnosed with substance abuse.
Recently, a new study conducted in Denmark which has included findings from more than 3 million individuals has taken a closer look on the said concern. Two hundred thousand people from the registers were diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder, and over 21,000 were also diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The data presented on the meeting at the International Early Psychosis Association, was carefully analyzed using various statistical techniques. Other factors were also considered, such as gender, other psychiatric diagnoses, parents' socioeconomic status etc. However, unlike any other simple problems, it is believed that it's still quite infeasible to conclude whether too much of substance consumption can really trigger schizophrenia or is just somewhat related.
According to Medical News Today, while studies conducted have already emphasized that it cannot point out the cause and effect, these studies are said to definitely fuel up the controversial debate. Whether or not schizophrenia can be induced through drug abuse, or whether someone who is vulnerable to developing schizophrenia is more likely to abuse drugs, unpicking the relationship and gaining insight into who may be most at risk plays a crucial role for early intervention and a more successful treatment.
