Schizophrenia: genes and environment

The historical and genetic foundations of our current understanding of schizophrenia are reviewed, as are the present and future directions for research. Genetic epidemiological investigations, including family, twin, and adoption studies have confirmed the contributions of genetic and environmental...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological Psychiatry 2000-02, Vol.47 (3), p.210-220
Main Author: Tsuang, Ming
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Biological and medical sciences
Brain - physiopathology
environment
Female
Gene Expression Regulation - physiology
genes
Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics
heritability
Humans
Medical sciences
Neuronal Plasticity - genetics
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Psychoses
Risk Factors
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia - genetics
Schizophrenia - physiopathology
Schizophrenic Psychology
Social Environment
Stress, Psychological - complications
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Summary:The historical and genetic foundations of our current understanding of schizophrenia are reviewed, as are the present and future directions for research. Genetic epidemiological investigations, including family, twin, and adoption studies have confirmed the contributions of genetic and environmental determinants of schizophrenia. For example, identical twins show average concordance rates of only 50%; rates of 100% would be expected on the basis of genetic equivalence alone. Genetic factors may cause errors in brain development and synaptic connections. A broad range of environmental components may further damage the brain. Biological components may include pregnancy and delivery complications, such as intrauterine fetal hypoxia, infections, and malnutrition. Primarily nonbiological components may include psychosocial stressors, such as residence in an urban area and dysfunctional family communication. It is likely that the environmental factors interact with the genetic liability in a negative manner to produce disorders in the schizophrenic spectrum. Genetic and environmental components of the disorder are examined, as well as their interactions in producing either neurodevelopmental syndromes or schizophrenia itself. The implication of these findings for prevention and treatment are considered.
ISSN:0006-3223
1873-2402
DOI:10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00289-9