Schizophrenia In Twins

Response to "Schizophrenia in Identical Twins"

In high school I took a psychology 101 class and I had a phenomenal teacher with a passion for psychology. I enjoyed that class a lot and one of my favorite things to do we’re to read the psychiatric case studies. The case studies were always extremely interesting and show you the lengths the human mind can reach. So I decided to dedicate my blog to story telling from the psychological world.
 
Schizophrenia is a predominantly recessive gene; only affecting under 1% of the general population. The risk rises to 6.5% for genetically related members of a family. However, in the case of identical twins, where the genetic make ups are the same, the risk shoots up to upwards of 40%. After analysis of cases of schizophrenia in identical and fraternal twins, the risk was estimated to be about 50% in identical twins. The risk for other twins being 10-19%, an astonishing 30% difference.

The study was done on two 30-year old identical twins, both male. Brother A was able to return to working after a short two months of medicinal and psychological treatment. Brother B improved after two months to the point where he was able to reduce his dosage amount. The most interesting thing about this case was that both victims experienced very similar symptoms. Brother A believed he had a cancerous disease in his intestines which caused his organs to rot. Brother B has believed he had a disease which let foul odors out of his body. Both siblings experienced social withdraw, personal hygiene issues and seemed to have mild retardation.

Extensive studies have led scientists to confirm that psychotic disorders are most commonly a genetic illness. Having even one person in your family diagnosed puts you at a much greater risk than the average person of the general public. Research into the genetic code will allow scientists to detect that specific gene sequence and hopefully alter it or take measures to prepare for it.