As with most other mental disorders, schizophrenia is not directly passed from one generation to another genetically, and there is no single specific cause for this illness.
The truth is that while schizophrenia is influenced by genetics, it isn't directly inherited.
Affecting about 1 percent of the population, schizophrenia is known to be as much as 90 percent heritable, yet discovering how specific genes work to confer risk has proven elusive, until now. A team of scientists led by Steve McCarroll, Ph.
In most people with schizophrenia, symptoms generally start in the mid- to late 20s, though it can start later, up to the mid-30s. Schizophrenia is considered early onset when it starts before the age of 18. Onset of schizophrenia in children younger than age 13 is extremely rare.
Common early signs of schizophrenia vary by age group and include: Young children: Delayed development. Older kids and teens: Depression, isolation, behavioral problems (e.g., stealing) or changes (e.g., bizarre or unusual thoughts or actions), and trouble focusing.
The risk goes up significantly if a grandparent (or other close relatives) also has schizophrenia. (E.F. Torry, 1996). Genetic inheritance is only one of the many factors (both biological and environmental) that contribute to the cause of schizophrenia.
"If you have a first-degree relative—parent or sibling—with schizophrenia, your risk moves to about 5 to 10 percent, so it's still not high, but it is up to 10 times as much as otherwise." Your risk shoots up to around 50 percent if you have an identical twin with schizophrenia, according to research.
Schizophrenia Genetic Testing
There is no single test that can definitively determine if someone will develop schizophrenia. Advanced genetic testing may yield information such as whether someone possesses any of the gene variants known to be associated with schizophrenia.
Never tell your loved one that their symptoms are “not true,” “not real,” “imaginary,” or all in their head. Aim to be nonjudgmental.
There is no certain way to prevent schizophrenia. This is because not all of its causes are under your control. Researchers have uncovered several possible schizophrenia causes.
Schizophrenia tends to run in families, but no single gene is thought to be responsible. It's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition.
Slightly more men get diagnosed with the condition. Women often get diagnosed later in life than men. In general, the clinical signs of schizophrenia are less severe for women. Some research suggests that the course of the disease tends to be worse in men.
Topic Overview. People with schizophrenia have goals and desires just like people who do not have the illness. These may include starting a family. You can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby if you have schizophrenia.
Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women. It is uncommon for schizophrenia to be diagnosed in a person younger than 12 or older than 40. It is possible to live well with schizophrenia.
Research and experts suggest trauma, especially severe childhood trauma, can increase the likelihood of someone developing schizophrenia or expressing similar symptoms later in life. Although trauma cancause schizophrenia, traumatic life experiences usually don't lead to trauma-induced psychosis.
Prenatal Genetic Testing With Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Identifies Major Risk Variants for Schizophrenia and Other Later-Onset Disorders.
Unfortunately, most people with schizophrenia are unaware that their symptoms are warning signs of a mental disorder. Their lives may be unraveling, yet they may believe that their experiences are normal. Or they may feel that they're blessed or cursed with special insights that others can't see.
Experts aren't sure what exactly triggers the first episode or the early warning signs. But many things can lead to psychosis: Genetics. Several specific genes and a family history of psychosis may make it more likely for you to develop it.
In this early phase of schizophrenia, you may seem eccentric, unmotivated, emotionless, and reclusive to others. You may start to isolate yourself, begin neglecting your appearance, say peculiar things, and show a general indifference to life.