Schizophrenia as Neurologic Disorder
Genetics of Schizophrenia
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1% in general population
* There is a genetic predisposition to developing schizophrenia, but schizophrenia is NOT a "genetic" disorder. (Genetics is only a partial contributor. What is inherited is a vulnerability to factors playing a role in developing the illness. One's genetic make-up controls how sensitive we are to certain aspects of our environment. Genes can be turned on or off in response to environmental conditions.)
* Multiple genes are involved. These multiple pathways and the gene overlap may account for the different forms of schizophrenia and the various schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
* Note that only 1/3 of individuals with schizophrenia have a (known) family history of the disorder (in their first or second degree relatives).
* Genetic mutations can play a role also: 3-4 times more (nonspecific) genetic glitches were found in schizophrenic patients. (Genetic glitches are DNA duplications or omissions in the genetic code; they influence how neuronal circuits get sculptured; this can lead to signals not getting filtered out and could create hallucinations, thought problems, and general "overload.")
* There is a genetic predisposition to developing schizophrenia, but schizophrenia is NOT a "genetic" disorder. (Genetics is only a partial contributor. What is inherited is a vulnerability to factors playing a role in developing the illness. One's genetic make-up controls how sensitive we are to certain aspects of our environment. Genes can be turned on or off in response to environmental conditions.)
* Multiple genes are involved. These multiple pathways and the gene overlap may account for the different forms of schizophrenia and the various schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
* Note that only 1/3 of individuals with schizophrenia have a (known) family history of the disorder (in their first or second degree relatives).
* Genetic mutations can play a role also: 3-4 times more (nonspecific) genetic glitches were found in schizophrenic patients. (Genetic glitches are DNA duplications or omissions in the genetic code; they influence how neuronal circuits get sculptured; this can lead to signals not getting filtered out and could create hallucinations, thought problems, and general "overload.")
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