ABSTRACT
We can use the well-accepted bio-psycho-social model (Bloom, 1988) to clarify how different factors shape schizophrenia or any other illness. This model shows us that the predisposition to developing an illness, its onset and its course are each influenced by biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Figure I.1 illustrates how a variety of factors can affect the various phases of schizophrenia. Most of these influences are environmental; fewonly genetics, gender and synaptic pruning (see below)—are innate. Biological, psychological and social factors are involved to some extent in most phases of schizophrenia. In general, however, in schizophrenia as in other illnesses, the research suggests that the factors responsible for the predisposition to developing the illness are more likely to be biological, that psychological factors are often important in triggering the onset of a disorder, and that the course and outcome of an illness are particularly likely to be influenced by sociocultural factors (Bloom, 1985).
