Stressful Life Events and Schizophrenia

Evidence of a relationship between stressors and variation in severity of symptoms over time is found, which is consistent with vulnerability-stress models of the development of schizophrenia.

Abstract

Empirical research concerning the relationship between life event stressors and schizophrenia is critically reviewed. In accordance with the view that patients suffering from schizophrenia are vulnerable to stress, there is evidence of a relationship between stressors and variation in severity of symptoms over time. There is less indication that schizophrenic patients have had higher levels of stressors than the general population or than patients suffering from other psychiatric disorders. These findings are consistent with vulnerability-stress models of the development of schizophrenia.