• Is schizophrenia hereditary?

I recently got married and after the marriage my husband told me that his father was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but he passed away years before due to a stroke. I never even met him. I am worried and would like to know if schizophrenia is a hereditary disease? Can my husband also develop this in the future?

10 Answers

  • Psychiatrist
  • Chicago, Il

Symptoms of schizophrenia usually show up in teens or early twenties so it is unlikely that your husband will develop this. However, it is genetic so talk with your doctor about this.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Arlington, Texas

Schizophrenia is not hereditary. However, people with a family history of this illness have a greater chance of becoming schizophrenic. It depends in part on lifestyle. A healthy life with minimum stress, moderate use of alcohol, loving family, etc., will most likely prevent developing schizophrenia. Most men become schizophrenic between 18 to 30 y/o. It is rare to be diagnosed with schizophrenia later in life for men. Women age bracket is late twenties to 40. Early signs of schizophrenia are: less frequent bathing, being detached, apathetic, isolated, etc.

  • Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • WASILLA, AK

There are several factors involved in the causation of schizophrenia. These include genetic predisposition, stress, environmental factors, and trauma. It is difficult to predict if your husband will develop schizophrenia. Remember there are also residency factors (factors that can prevent onset of mental illness) such as developing healthy coping skills, good stress management techniques, healthy diet, good sleep patterns, exercise, developing warm and loving relationships.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Schizophrenia has been around for a long time and has been studied extensively. Most authors feel there is some genetic component but differ on the number. A general consensus ranges between 5-10%.. even with that percentage there is a wide variety of treatments available- ranging mg from psychotherapy to very effective medications. Check with your local psychiatrist.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Encinitas, Ca

Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component. There is a study called "The adopted away study," which has been observing identical twins who were adopted to different families at birth. The study has looked at many illnesses for decades. If one identical twin has schizophrenia, there is a 50% chance that the other identical twin, raised in a completely different family and environment, will develop schizophrenia. That tells us 2 things: 1) There is a strong genetic component to schizophrenia, and 2) If 50% are not developing schizophrenia, it means that there is something other than genetics that plays a big role.

  • Psychiatrist
  • New York, New York

It is estimated at 40%. It typically begins in teenage years or earlier. Absolute latest age is 45.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Falls Church, Virginia

Some forms of schizophrenia is inherited -- called process schizophrenia. It’s less than 1 percent. Studies in twins is more. The monozygotic twins is high, but dizygotic (fraternal) is less.
Unfortunately, in the time of your husband's father, they diagnosed Bipolar 1 as schizophrenia. So don’t worry about your fears. Your intelligence can be satisfied by a psychiatric consult from a wise psychiatrist.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Austin, TX

Genetic plays an important role in schizophrenia as well, which usually starts in late teens or early 20's. I don't know his age? Late onset is very rare. If he is working and functioning well in life, please don't worry.

All the best.

  • Psychiatrist
  • Houston, TX

Just as many physical illnesses, like BP, Diabetes can run through families, same can be true for mental illnesses to run through generations. It does not necessarily show itself in every generation and if present, will generally start by the age of 15-16 in guys and a little later in females. If there is a family history of Schizophrenia, then at least read about it to know how it presents.

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