What are my fiance's chances of developing schizophrenia?!
Question: He's 25, and his grandfather started showing signs in his early thirties. Just how genetic is schizophrenia? There aren't any uncles on that side of the family so my fiance is the next male descendent. He doesn't have any brothers and his male cousins are 16 and 1.
Answers: He's 25, and his grandfather started showing signs in his early thirties. Just how genetic is schizophrenia? There aren't any uncles on that side of the family so my fiance is the next male descendent. He doesn't have any brothers and his male cousins are 16 and 1.
His risk is elevated because schizophrenia has been shown to have some genetic linkage, however, it is still a small small risk. The highest risk is usually if your immediate family has it, ie. twins, siblings, etc.
With that said, the degree of genetic correlation has been quite hard to firmly establish in previous research studies as schizophrenia can be induced through many other factors including the social environment, neurotransmitter abnormalities within the mesolimbic pathways of the brain, drug use, etc..
Theres also no standard form of detection or prevention, but early detection and education concerning the subject matter greatly improves outcomes. I encourage you and your fiance if you feel that there is adequate concern to read up on the issue as it couldn't hurt. Knowing the signs and symptoms and catching it early has an immense benefit in improved prognosis.
I don't know about genetics....but I would suggest going to a doctor and getting screened for schizophrenia. And get screened maybe once a year?
If you detect it before it gets out of hand...it will help A LOT
hes a little old to not have presented with schizophrenia already....