"40 The Causes of Schizophrenia Like the other mental illnesses discussed here, scientists are still working to determine what causes schizophrenia. Also like the other mental illnesses, genetic and environmental factors most likely interact to c ause the disease. Several studies suggest that an imbalance of chemical neurotransmitter systems of the brain, including the dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems, are involved in the development of schizophrenia. Family, t win, and adoption studies support the idea that genetics plays an important role in the illness. For example, children of people with schizophrenia are 13 times more likely, and identical twins are 48 times more likely, to develop the illness than are peop le in the general population. Scientists continue to look at genes that may play a role in causing schizophrenia. One gene of interest to scientists who study schizophrenia codes for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the synapse. Treating Schizophren ia There is no cure for schizophrenia; however, effective treatments that make the illness manageable for most affected people are available. The optimal treatment includes antipsychotic medication combined with a variety of psychotherapeutic intervention s. Since the 1950s, doctors have used antipsychotic drugs, such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol, to relieve the hallucinations and delusions typical of schizophrenia. Recently, newer (also called atypical) antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and cloz apine have proven to be more effective. Early and sustained treatment that includes antipsychotic medication is important for long - term improvement of the course of the disease. Patients who discontinue medication are likely to experience a relapse of thei r illness. People who manage schizophrenia best combine medication with psychosocial rehabilitation (life - skills training). Therapies that combine family and community support, education, and behavioral and cognitive skills to address specific challenges h elp schizophrenic patients improve their functioning and the quality of their lives. Suicide and Self - harm Suicide is among the most common causes of death in the United States. People may consider suicide when they are hopeless and can't see any other s olution to their problems. Often it's related to serious depression, alcohol or substance abuse , or a major stressful event. People who have the highest risk of suicide are white men. But women and teens report more suicide attempts. If someone talks about suicide, you should take it seriously. Urge them to get help from their doctor or the emerg ency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 - 800 - 273 - TALK (8255). Therapy and medicines can help most people who have suicidal thoughts. Treating mental illnesses and substance abuse can reduce the risk of suicide."