g, many problems remain and need to be solved. Varied findings indicate that some of the suspected gene sites do not contribute to schizophrenia after all. Alternatively, different kinds of schizophrenia may be traced to different genes. Research has pointed to two kinds of biochemical abnormalities that apparently contribute to schizophrenia and could conceivably be inherited - biochemical abnormalities and abnormal brain structure. Basic knowledge about brain chemistry and its link to schizophrenia is expanding rapidly. Neurotransmitters substances that allow communications between nerve cells have long been thought to be involved in the development of schizophrenia, although not yet certain, that the disorder is associated with some imbalance of the complex, interrelated chemical systems of the brain, perhaps involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate. There have been advances in neuroimaging Page 5technology that allow scientists to study brain structure and function involving individuals. Many studies of people with schizophrenia have found abnormalities in brain structure or functions. It should be emphasized that neither these abnormalities are subtle and are not characteristic of all people with schizophrenia nor do they occur only in individuals with this illness. Micrographic studies of brain tissue after death have also shown small changes in distribution or number of brain cells in people with schizophrenia. It appears that many of these changes are present before and individual becomes ill, and schizophrenia may be, in part, a disorder in the development of the brain. Since schizophrenia may not be a single condition and its caused are still unknown, current treatment methods are based on both clinical research and experience. These approaches are chosen on the basis of their ability to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia and to lessen the chances that symptoms will return. Antipsychotic medication...
