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Genes, environment and schizophrenia
M T Tsuang1, W S Stone, S V Faraone
1Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts Mental Health Center, 74 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ming.tsuang@hms.harvard.edu
The British Journal of Psychiatry. Supplement
|April 24, 2001
Summary
Schizophrenia liability arises from both genetic and environmental factors, interacting within a neurodevelopmental framework. This multifactorial model, termed schizotaxia, aids in understanding and potentially preventing the disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Family, twin, and adoption studies confirm a significant genetic contribution to schizophrenia.
- Molecular genetic studies, despite replication challenges, have identified genes at various chromosomal locations.
- Environmental factors play a crucial role, interacting with genetic predispositions to influence schizophrenia development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate genetic and environmental risk factors into a comprehensive neurodevelopmental model.
- To conceptualize the underlying liability to schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A review of relevant scientific literature was conducted.
- Meehl's concept of 'schizotaxia' was reformulated to describe the disorder's liability.
Main Results:
- The reviewed literature supports a multifactorial etiology for schizophrenia liability.
- Both genetic and environmental components are integral to this liability.
Conclusions:
- Schizotaxia offers a valuable framework for understanding schizophrenia liability.
- This conceptualization can guide the development of treatment and prevention strategies for schizophrenia.