What Causes Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling psychiatric disorder that affects approximately two million Americans in any given year. Schizophrenia is a psychosis—that is to say, it is a severe mental disorder in which the person’s emotions, thinking, judgment, and grasp of reality are so disturbed that functioning is seriously impaired.

But what causes this condition? The answer to that question has eluded medical science for a long time. “Whether you love someone with the mental illness or have seen it depicted in movies and pop culture, you might find yourself wondering what causes schizophrenia,” wrote Kelly Burch in a recent article on Verywell Health. “Unfortunately, scientists don’t know exactly what causes this mental illness.”

Despite extensive research, the causes of schizophrenia remain unclear. “There is no single organic defect or infectious agent which causes schizophrenia, but a variety of factors increase the illness—among them genetics and obstetric complications,” wrote the late Colorado Recovery founder Richard Warner, MD, in his influential book The Environment of Schizophrenia. In the book, Dr. Warner drew upon the “knowledge of the environmental factors that affect schizophrenia” to suggest “changes which could decrease the rate of occurrence of the illness, improve its course, and enhance the quality of life of sufferers and their relatives.”

“Environmental factors, including some that occur while in the womb, can also contribute to developing schizophrenia,” confirmed Burch in her explainer. “Some research suggests that using drugs, particularly during the teen years, can increase risk for schizophrenia. However, people who are predisposed to schizophrenia may also be at a higher risk of developing substance use disorder. Drug use alone cannot trigger schizophrenia, and drug use during the teenage years cannot be blamed for causing the illness.”

There is however a strong genetic link to developing schizophrenia, which is why the disease often runs in families. According to Burch, about 80 percent of the chance of developing schizophrenia can be explained by genes. “Relatives of people with schizophrenia have a greater risk of developing the illness, the risk being progressively higher among those who are more genetically similar to the person with schizophrenia,” wrote Dr. Warner in The Environment of Schizophrenia.

Research into genetic factors continues. A team of researchers recently developed a new way to study how genes may cause schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders by growing tiny brain-like structures in the lab and tweaking their DNA.

While new diagnostic tools may play significant roles in the treatment of schizophrenia, meaningful recovery also requires that patients experience a sense of empowerment—a belief in their ability to take charge of their lives and manage the complex demands and consequences of such illnesses.

In any case, genetics seems to be only part of the story. “Since the identical twin of a person with schizophrenia only has a 50 percent risk of developing the illness, we know that genetics alone do not explain why someone gets the illness,” wrote Dr. Warner. “Other powerful factors have to play a part; one of these factors is problems of pregnancy and delivery. The risk for people born with obstetric complications, such as prolonged labor, is double the risk for those born with none.”

“Scientists don’t believe there’s one gene that is responsible for schizophrenia,” reported Burch on the genetic correlation. “Instead, they think there are many genes at play. However, they don’t have a full understanding of what genes impact the risk for schizophrenia.”

Dr. Warner considered schizophrenia primarily a bio-psycho-social disorder significantly affected by the environment surrounding the person with the mental health condition on multiple levels.

Colorado Recovery has been utilizing the Warner method to empower adults with mental illness for many years now. Our program approaches mental healthcare based on a path of self-reliance through developed practiced skills. We recognize the importance of empowerment for recovery, offering transitional living and outpatient levels of care, engaging patients in increasing community participation.

Our treatment facility provides the services needed to address schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious mental illnesses. Call us at 720-218-4068 to discuss treatment options for you or the person you would like to help.

 

The Mental Health Benefits of Snowshoeing

Being in nature always provides an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeper, and open up to the beauty of our surroundings and the world at large.

“When we embark on a hike we must attune our senses to the world around us,” says Peter Kamback, a vocational rehabilitation specialist and community organizer for Colorado Recovery. “There is so much on which to focus our attention that it becomes harder to focus our mental attention on ourselves, our problems, and our concerns.”

This is especially true in the Colorado winter when you’re traversing the snow-covered landscape on snowshoes. “We must be careful where to place each step in front of us,” Kamback reminds us. “We also must be aware of others in our group. And from time to time we may be able to appreciate the beauty of our natural surroundings.”

While a Rocky Mountain winter landscape might seem daunting to some, when navigating the complexities of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, strapping on snowshoes can offer a path to healing and empowerment.

“In the realm of mental health treatment, nature-based therapies have gained significant recognition for their profound impact on emotional well-being,” explains Colorado Recovery’s executive director Terry Stiven. “Snowshoeing, in particular, presents a unique
opportunity for our clients to immerse themselves in the beauty and peacefulness of winter landscapes.”

“It’s important to get people out of their comfort zone,” she says. “Many of our clients have not seen these kinds of mountains before, so some of them get a little nervous and wonder ‘What if I can’t do this?’ It’s a great opportunity to work on any anxiety or fears they may have.”

It’s not only the snowshoeing itself—clients also learn to prepare and organize for the trip. It’s about getting out of the house and not only for an hour-long therapy session but pretty much for the whole day.

“We must prepare for the cold temperature, the conditions of the trail, the weather, and to some extent the unknown of what will be experienced,” says Kamback. “This preparation includes physical accommodations such as the snowshoe equipment and proper attire, but also some mental preparation for the environment we will encounter.”

Great skills to develop for anybody. “Taking these steps helps us prepare for what we may encounter and experience in our lives,” explains Kamback. “These trips are a great way to employ the courage to accept a challenging situation. As fun and rewarding as a snowshoeing excursion may be, it is also a challenging experience. We can gain a sense of accomplishment from these experiences.”

Snowshoeing offers many physical and mental health benefits. It promotes cardiovascular health, improves balance and coordination, and strengthens muscles and endurance. And most importantly, it offers a respite from the constant chatter of the mind.

“For those battling mental illness, feelings of isolation and alienation can be overwhelming,” explains Stiven. “Snowshoeing on the other hand can foster a sense of community and connection. It allows everyone to share their experiences, support one another, and form meaningful connections. Snowshoeing is not merely a leisurely activity, it is an adventure that challenges our clients to push beyond their comfort zones and discover their inner strength. The sense of accomplishment can be life-changing.”

Being part of a group means looking out for one another. “We remember that we are part of something larger than ourselves,” says Kamback. “Perhaps we would not endeavor to challenge ourselves on our own, but comfort and support come with group activities. We also have the chance to notice others enjoying themselves; becoming relaxed and opening up.”

Hiking with or without snowshoes is a wonderful exercise—for body and mind.

“These trips are a great way to boost mental fortitude and build up self-confidence,” says Kamback. “Clients may find new interests to pursue or new skills to develop. It can come as a great comfort to know that in the chaos of our lives, we have the option to slow down and recognize that there is beauty in the world and that there are meaningful things worth doing.”

At Colorado Recovery, it is our mission to help adults with serious mental health issues stabilize their illness, minimize symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance each person’s social inclusion, quality of life, and sense of meaning in life. In an atmosphere of caring support, clients learn about their condition and how to live successfully with it in a supportive environment.

If you have questions about our services to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and similar mental illnesses, call us at 720-218-4068 to discuss treatment options for you or the person you would like to help.

 

 

 

 

Go-Karts and Social Recovery

Recovery is a term frequently used by people with mental health issues to describe their efforts to live meaningful and satisfying lives. Colorado Recovery approaches mental healthcare based on a path of self-reliance through developed practiced skills. This non-institutionalized social recovery offers comprehensive levels of care supported by an expert medical and clinical team, engaging patients in increasing community participation.

Colorado Recovery’s approach to care is about nurturing an environment of inclusivity, socialization, and community building. Clients are encouraged to go out and take part in activities out in the community. We want our patients to achieve a certain degree of social independence.

Social recreational activities include hikes through Colorado’s spectacular landscape, movie nights, talent shows, cooking together and trips to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Peter Kamback MFA, is a vocational rehabilitation specialist and community organizer for Colorado Recovery. He recently took overjoyed clients on an excursion to drive go-karts.

“This was a free event for clients, new or old, who have been with Colorado Recovery at some point,” he says. “Our community is always expanding and older clients have the chance to meet new folks and vice versa.”

These outings are designed to be fun and engaging while also providing opportunities for relationship-building, conflict resolution, and teamwork. “They allow our clients to forget about themselves and their mental health issues for a while,” says Kamback. “Some of the best ways to achieve that involve games and a sense of play.  When our folks are taken out of their element they often feel more relaxed, which allows them to be more social.  It is a wonderful sight to see smiles on faces and hear laughter and excitement in their voices.”  

Go-karts are not a cure, of course—it is a temporary, time-limited activity. But it is a great way for clients to feel comfortable and get to know each other. “The friendly spirit of competition can be the key to connection and to remind them that they are capable of having fun and enjoying what life has to offer,” says Kamback. “This is also a great opportunity to overcome personal barriers and express individual qualities.”  

There are many other activities we pursue at Colorado Recovery that facilitate social recovery and connection to people in the community. We also always encourage clients to suggest activities and outings they are interested in and excited about.   

A go-kart adventure, trips to the art museum, hikes, movie nights, community meals and other socializing activities are all part of the groundbreaking approach to mental health treatment pioneered by Colorado Recovery founder Richard Warner. Recovery from serious mental illness requires that patients retain a sense of empowerment—a belief in their ability to take charge of their lives and manage the complex challenges of their illness.

At Colorado Recovery it is our mission to help adults with serious mental health issues stabilize their illness, minimize symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance each person’s social inclusion, quality of life, and sense of meaning in life.

If you have questions about our recovery model or our services to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and similar mental illnesses, call us at 720-218-4068 to discuss treatment options for you or the person you would like to help.