Causes of schizoaffective disorder

It is clear that there is a chemical imbalance in neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain of people with schizoaffective disorder. However it is unclear as yet whether that is caused by the environment or whether it is as a result of a genetic predisposition.

Genetic causes

Schizoaffective disorder occurs more often in families where other members have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. This suggests that genetics has a role to play in the development of schizoaffective disorder.

Environmental causes

Stress seems to play a key role in triggering schizoaffective disorder and subsequent relapses. It is important for people with schizoaffective disorder to live in an environment with a low degree of stress and to monitor the types of stress that cause relapses.