Schizophrenia: genetic factors

In the first of three articles on schizophrenia, evidence for a genetic component is reviewed, including the high concordance in monozygotic twins, even when reared apart, and in children born to a schizophrenic parent or parents. The myth of the "schizophrenogenic mother" is rejected, though it does appear that as yet undefined environmental factors, by bringing about biochemical changes, may play an important role.