genetic

• schizophrenia runs in families and is part genetic (inherited) through DNA
• schizophrenia is polygenic (different combinations of genes can lead to the condition)
• 108 genetic variations associated with increased risk of schizophrenia
• linked to mutation in the PCM1 gene - leads to defective cells in the brain
• genes lead to changes in dopamine/structural changes in the brain
• gottesman

  identical twins share 100% genetics (MZ) - concordance = 48%

  non identical twins share 50% genetics (DZ) - concordance =17%
• hard to untangle genetic and environmental influence for individuals who share genes and environment

  researchers use studies of genetically related individuals who have been reared apart
• tienari et al

  studied 164 adoptees whose biological mothers had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and 197 control adoptees whose mothers hadn't been diagnosed with schizophrenia

  11 adoptees were diagnosed with scz (about 7%)

  4 adoptees from the control group developed scz (about 2%)