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Schizophrenia and Affective Disorder: Are They Genetically Linked?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Miron Baron*
Affiliation:
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Director of Psychogenetics, Department of Medical Genetics, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Rhoda S. Gruen
Affiliation:
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
*
New York State Psychiatric Institute, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA

Abstract

The relationship between schizophrenic ‘spectrum’ disorders and affective illness was studied in the nuclear families of 90 chronic schizophrenic probands. An increased risk of schizophrenia and related disorders was demonstrated among the first-degree relatives of probands with a family history of major affective disorders. Conversely, relatives of probands with a family history of schizophrenic ‘spectrum’ disorders were at a greater risk of affective illness (major depression) than relatives of probands with no family history. These results lend support to the notion that a subset of affective disorders is associated with the liability to schizophrenia.

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Copyright
Copyright © 1991 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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