The vulnerability–stress model describes psychosis as emerging through interactions between susceptibility and demands. Susceptibility may involve genetic, developmental or other factors, while stress includes social, psychological and physical pressures. Protective influences, such as reliable support…Continue Reading
Stress management includes approaches that reduce demands, strengthen resources or change how a person responds to pressure. Options can involve practical problem-solving, relaxation, structured routines, psychological therapy and support from trusted people. The most useful…Continue Reading
Childhood adversity includes experiences such as abuse, neglect, bullying, loss and unsafe living conditions. Research finds associations between some adversities and later psychotic experiences or disorders. These findings support attention to childhood circumstances, but they…Continue Reading
Traumatic experiences in adulthood may include assault, accidents, violence, disasters or frightening healthcare experiences. People with schizophrenia can experience these events just as others do and may face additional vulnerability through social exclusion or unsafe…Continue Reading
An association means that two factors occur together more often than expected under a particular comparison. Studies link trauma exposure with psychotic experiences, but association alone does not reveal the complete causal pathway. Shared risks…Continue Reading
Trauma-related conditions and psychosis can share experiences such as heightened threat, unusual perceptions, sleep disturbance and withdrawal. Flashbacks, intrusive memories and dissociation may be confused with hallucinations, while persecutory beliefs may be difficult to distinguish…Continue Reading
Rare genetic variants are uncommon changes in DNA that can sometimes have larger effects than individual common variants. These include certain copy-number changes, where a section of genetic material is deleted or duplicated. Some are…Continue Reading
Trauma-informed care recognises that past harm can affect how a person experiences services, authority and loss of control. It emphasises safety, clear explanations, collaboration and choice wherever possible. It does not require everyone to disclose…Continue Reading
Gene–environment interaction means that the effect of a genetic difference may depend on environmental circumstances, or vice versa. Susceptibility to schizophrenia is thought to involve complex relationships between biology, development and experience. Stress, prenatal factors…Continue Reading
Dopamine signalling begins when a nerve cell releases dopamine into the space around another cell. Dopamine binds to receptors that change the receiving cell’s activity. The signal is shaped by release, receptor properties, reuptake and…Continue Reading