The Role of Genetics in Schizophrenia
The average lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia for the general population is 1% or lower. However, for someone with a sibling diagnosed with schizophrenia, the lifetime risk increases to 9%. If that sibling is an identical twin, someone with whom 100% of genetics is shared, the risk rockets to 48%. This suggests a significant role for genetic factors in the development of schizophrenia.
The average lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia for the general population is 1% or lower. However, for someone with a sibling diagnosed with schizophrenia, the lifetime risk increases to 9%. If that sibling is an identical twin, someone with whom 100% of genetics is shared, the risk rockets to 48%. This suggests a significant role for genetic factors in the development of schizophrenia.
Copyright © 2001 by the American Psychological Association. Adapted with permission from Gottesman (2001).