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Is schizophrenia hereditary?

Schizophrenia does have a genetic component, but it's not inherited in a straightforward way like eye color. Having a family member with schizophrenia does increase your risk compared to the general population, but it doesn't guarantee you'll develop it.

Here's what the research shows about Show Full Answer

Is schizophrenia hereditary?

Schizophrenia does have a genetic component, but it's not inherited in a straightforward way like eye color. Having a family member with schizophrenia does increase your risk compared to the general population, but it doesn't guarantee you'll develop it.

Here's what the research shows about genetic risk:

* General population: about 1 in 100 people develop schizophrenia
* One parent with schizophrenia: 10-15% risk for each child
* Both parents with schizophrenia: 35-46% risk
* Identical twin with schizophrenia: 40-50% chance for the other twin
* Fraternal twin with schizophrenia: about 1 in 8 chance for the other twin
* Sibling with schizophrenia: higher risk than general population

The fact that identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) don't always both develop schizophrenia shows that genes aren't the whole story. Environmental factors, life experiences, childhood trauma, and brain development all play important roles too.

Many people diagnosed with schizophrenia have no family history of it at all, which reinforces that multiple factors contribute to developing the condition.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Schizophrenia Causes and Risk Factors: Is It Genetic?