Searching for genes in Schizophrenia

Decades of research into the etiology of schizophrenia on a phenotypic level, i.e. studies of neuroanatomy, neuropathology, neurophysiology and other areas such as immunology have yielded only fragmentary results. A contribution of genetic factors, has been consistently shown, however, beginning with E. Kraepelin's pioneering studies at the turn of the century. Evidence has accumulated from family-, twin-, and adoption studies. Identical twins have a 48% risk of developing schizophrenia if one of them is affected. In contrast, a 17 % risk is reported for nonidentical twins. These rates are similar to other complex genetic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Advances in the genetic analysis of complex traits as well as progress in the Human Genome Project should provide a basis for uncovering the molecular causes of schizophrenic disorders and for investigating the neuropathology of this individually and socially devastating neuropsychiatrie disorder. There is no doubt, that discovery of the genetic variation associated with the illness would help in identifying specific targets for development of more effective, targeted treatments.