Is Schizophrenia Hereditary?

Schizophrenia is a grave mental illness that encompasses a variety of symptoms used to diagnose this disorder. A person who has been affected by schizophrenia fails to function normally due to the effect on the brain. Thus, a person's physical and emotional abilities are altered, and their behavior becomes unnatural. While some people are able to overcome these disabilities with the help of therapy and medication, for some it is a long journey towards recovery, with the road being marked by different disturbing symptoms. But where and how does this condition begin? Do genetics have anything to do with the development of schizophrenia? Let's find out.

The Hereditary Nature of Schizophrenia

Studies have shown that one of the causes of schizophrenia is its hereditary nature. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (USA), 10% of people who have a first-degree relative suffering from schizophrenia, i.e. a parent or a sibling are likely to develop this condition. Even those who have a second-degree relative suffering from schizophrenia, i.e. an aunt/uncle, a cousin, or a grandparent, also are at a greater risk of developing this condition. In short, if someone in the family has schizophrenia, chances are, close family members are at a higher risk (almost 10%) of developing this mental illness. Those who have an identical twin have a 45%-60% of developing schizophrenia. Also, the malfunction of the gene that is involved with healthy brain function is also likely to result in the development of this disorder.

While the degree of susceptibility may vary, the chances exist nonetheless. However, it is important to note that the gene that causes schizophrenia rarely works on its own to induce this condition. Upon being exposed to other environmental factors or triggers, the susceptibility to develop this condition increases. The prolonged exposure of a person to a mentally disturbing situation may be one of the causes of schizophrenia.

• Prolonged stress can lead to the development of symptoms of schizophrenia. This means that while some people may be able to handle the stress, those who are genetically predisposed to develop schizophrenia may be easily affected. For instance, during childhood, if a child has been severely abused, the stress caused by it is likely to cause schizophrenia, more so, if he is genetically predisposed to the condition.
• The use of drugs such as marijuana or continuous consumption of alcohol, is also responsible for the symptoms associated with schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions.
• Brain injury may put one at the risk of development of schizophrenia.
• Living in denial, or constantly avoiding problems in life, can also trigger this mental disorder.

There is a common belief that there is no link between biological and psychological conditions, and there has also been a constant debate about this regarding schizophrenia. However, it has to be understood that both these factors work together in triggering any kind of mental illnesses. As has been mentioned before, if the gene that causes this disorder is present among members of a family, chances are that it is slightly easier for psychological factors to cause schizophrenia. Thus, schizophrenia is not completely hereditary, but definitely puts those who have family members suffering from it at a higher risk.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

The symptoms of schizophrenia are often referred to as psychosis, wherein the person suffering from it loses touch with reality and lives in a delusional world. The symptoms may appear anywhere beginning in the late 20s, up to the age of 55 years. However, there have been cases where young children have also developed schizophrenia. Though the symptoms may range from zombie-like behavior to brutal fits of rage, they can be broadly categorized into the following.

• Hallucinations: A person who is schizophrenic is likely to experience hallucinations of sight, sound, smell, and touch. This means they can be under the belief that someone is talking to them, guiding them to behave in a certain manner, or they can smell a foul stench or a beautiful fragrance, or see visions of people around them, who they may talk to.
• Delusions: Schizophrenics also suffer from delusions, where they may be under the belief that someone is out there to attack them, or hurt them. On the other hand, they may also experience delusions of grandeur, where they believe that they are the center of all the good that is happening.

Such symptoms often lead to confused behavior, that may cause different sufferers to react differently. This means while a sufferer may be pacified when explained that what they believe is baseless, another may throw a fit of rage and hurt himself and those around him. The rate of suicide is also high among schizophrenics.

For schizophrenia to be diagnosed, it is important that these symptoms be prominent for a minimum of one month. If you are suspicious about the possibility of schizophrenia, a psychiatrist will be able to confirm or rule out this belief by conducting a few tests. The sooner it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. It is also important to remember that the presence of the gene that carries this condition cannot be determined by means of a DNA test.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a mental health expert.