Why Study Genetics?

Studies of patterns of the major types of psychiatric disorders in families suggest that genes cause much of the predisposition to these disorders.

For Major Depression, it is estimated that 40-70% of the predisposition is due to genes. For Schizophrenia, genetic factors seem to account for 70-85% of the predisposition. For Bipolar Disorder, genetic factors probably account for 80-90% of the tendency to develop the disorder.

There are probably several interacting genes predisposing individuals to these disorders, rather than a single gene as in some medical disorders. For each disorder, you probably inherit several genes from each side of the family, which interact to determine whether you are predisposed to that disorder.

The identification of predisposing genes is likely to lead to greater understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in these disorders. This could lead to the discovery of new or improved treatments.

The studies described here were developed in response to a set of recommendations from the National Institute of Mental Health Genetics Workgroup in 1997. The Workgroup's report includes information about genetics of psychiatric disorders and recommendations for research.