Is schizophrenia hereditary?

introduction

It is believed that the development of schizophrenia is based on a multifactorial genesis. This means that several different factors can or must play together in order to trigger the disease pattern of schizophrenia.

One of these building blocks is genetics. In contrast to other diseases, such as trisomy 21, however, it is not possible to identify an exact genetic change that leads to the development of this disease. Rather, it is assumed that certain genetic changes lead to increased vulnerability or susceptibility. On this basis, external factors can then favor the development of the disease. Thus, schizophrenia is an inheritable disease, but only in the sense of an increased risk of development.

Also read: What is schizophrenic psychosis?

How often is schizophrenia passed on from parents to children?

Across the entire population, the lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia is around 1%. However, the risk can increase significantly if one or both parents are affected by the disease.
It increases by more than 10 times if one of the two parents is affected. If mother and father are affected at the same time, the risk of the disease is already 46%.

It is currently assumed that around 80% of cases are due to genetic changes. Thus, the inheritance of predisposing factors plays a leading role in the development. The genes in which a mutation must be present is not yet fully understood.

Find out all about the topic here: The causes of schizophrenia.

How often is schizophrenia passed on to the grandchildren?

Even if a person's children do not have schizophrenia, the risk of developing the condition in their grandchildren is increased. Studies have shown a 5-fold increased risk compared to the general population. This corresponds to a lifetime risk of 5%.
However, this already corresponds to halving the risk compared to the parents' risk of illness.

Read more about the topic here: Schizophrenia in children.

Is there an early test that the schizophrenia has been transmitted?

Despite great efforts, research has not yet been able to find a specific gene that leads to schizophrenia in the event of a mutation. There are now a number of genes that are suspect, but no clinical evidence has been found.

In addition to these suspected genes, there are a number of other genetic diseases that have a significantly increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
Examples include Fra (X) syndrome or microdeletion syndrome 22q11. In addition to schizophrenia, these also have other severe symptoms, such as intellectual disability.

A test for the early detection of schizophrenia is therefore not useful, as it is still unclear what to look for. Genetic counseling for schizophrenia is based on population studies that can indicate the risk of developing schizophrenia if, for example, a relative is affected. However, there is still a long way to go from a concrete understanding of this connection.

Also read the article: How can you test for schizophrenia?

How can you prevent transmission to children?

It is fundamentally difficult to prevent the development of schizophrenia. Numerous studies on this topic, such as the early administration of neuroleptics, have so far come to very heterogeneous results. In addition, the drugs used all have a wide range of side effects.

However, the consensus is that one should try to avoid possible triggers for triggering schizophrenia or to keep them as low as possible. This includes stress on the one hand, but also the consumption of drugs.
Some professionals recommend teaching stress management techniques to children who are at risk. However, this approach has not yet been clinically tested. So one has to come to the conclusion that, according to the current state of knowledge, it is only possible to a very limited extent to avoid the development of schizophrenia.

Can you cure schizophrenia? Find out more here.