[nice2meetu]

Nobody in my family has schizophrenia apart from my brother, I heard that I have a 8% chance of developing the illness since I am a sibling.

If I use psychoactive substances like weed and caffeine will I have a larger chance of getting the disorder?

[pegasus]

Well, I don't know what any new research says but I don't believe that it is hereditary. I don't think that taking the substances you've mentioned will increase your chances of getting it though there has been some debate over the years (regarding weed) that some people with mental health issues react with paranoia which can lead to psychosis. Some people can't do weed at all and others are not affected that way, I would stay away from it if you can. Coffee is unlikely to cause mental health issues. The best thing you can do is to take care of your mental health and look after your health.

[nice2meetu]

Thanks for the reply.

I was told that if you are prone to being schizophrenic weed can cause it to appear earlier, if you are not prone then you can become the second bob marley. But how do I know if I'm prone?

[annoyedgrunt84]

I also think that it manifests by late teens or early twenties, just my two cents.

[Rive.]

Yes, research suggests a genetic predisposition, with the odds increasing (to about 10%) if schizophrenia is already present in the family. It is not cast in stone though - i.e. it is not 100% guaranteed that you would have it.

However, under the circumstances, I would avoid these substances as they could trigger an episode. Especially considering there is already susceptibility (i.e. genetic predisposition). No need to add further risk factors..

Good mental health and habits would serve you best..

[hvert]

Not sure about weed, but I'd stay far away from acid.

Given my family history, I stay away from everything. It's been the best choice for me.

[avlady]

i have schitzophrenia myself and my son who is 24 thinks he has it too. he is seeing a doc but he seems to think it is more like add.

[nice2meetu]

Originally Posted by Rive.

Yes, research suggests a genetic predisposition, with the odds increasing (to about 10%) if schizophrenia is already present in the family. It is not cast in stone though - i.e. it is not 100% guaranteed that you would have it.

However, under the circumstances, I would avoid these substances as they could trigger an episode. Especially considering there is already susceptibility (i.e. genetic predisposition). No need to add further risk factors..

Good mental health and habits would serve you best..

What I want to know is if weed triggers schizophrenia (meaning you would get it even if you did not smoke but it would just take more time) or if it causes schizophrenia.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by nice2meetu

What I want to know is if weed triggers schizophrenia (meaning you would get it even if you did not smoke but it would just take more time) or if it causes schizophrenia.

Weed can cause psychosis. It can also exacerbate any developing schizophrenia.

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by nice2meetu

What I want to know is if weed triggers schizophrenia (meaning you would get it even if you did not smoke but it would just take more time) or if it causes schizophrenia.

It does not cause schizophrenia, and its unclear whether it increases the risk or not. I doubt it would cause someone who would not otherwise develop it to do so. For people who react negatively to it I imagine it does not help matters..but yeah some of the correlation between schizophrenia and cannabis is just some people with schizophrenia smoke it as well as have the disorder....or might even self medicate with marijuana correlation does not always mean causation.