lowest social class often includes the most occurrences of schizophrenia. Poor economic conditions and more stress and hardship increase these incidences. Because of the confusion cause by schizophrenia, many victims lose their jobs and “drift” downward into the lowest social class, where they are then counted as having schizophrenia. This is known as the “social-drift theory”.There are relatively few famous people that have had schizophrenia because schizophrenia is a brain disorder that typically strikes people when they are between the ages of 17 and 27. People this age typically are too young to be famous; they are just starting out their professional lives after finishing off school or college. One example of a famous schizophrenic is Lionel Aldridge. Aldridge was a defensive end for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s/played in 2 Super Bowls. He suffered from schizophrenia, and was eventually homeless for two and a half years in the 1970s. Today Aldridge gives inspirational talks, and is also discussed in numerous newspaper articles. He is just one of many celebrities with schizophrenia.The causes of schizophrenia remain unknown, but many professionals have their theories. The interpersonal theory says that the pressures of living in the world, and interacting with family members and other people cause schizophrenia. The genetic theory states that schizophrenia is inherited and passed down from generation to generation. Another theory is the biochemical theory; which says that alterations in the body chemistry produces abnormalities. One thing scientists know for sure is that narcotic and illegal drugs are not causes of schizophrenia. “Speed” can produce a psychotic break with reality that closely resembles acute schizophrenia, cocaine can cause behavior similar to schizophrenia, and LSD creates delusions, hallucinations, or bizarre thinking as found in schizophrenia. Drug abuse can destroy and d...
