(RxWiki News) For years mental experts have questioned the impact of genetics in schizophrenia. Recent studies shed some light on a prospective source.
Scientists pinpointed a gene increasing the susceptibility of mental illness, and more specifically, schizophrenia. These same scientists also validated existence of another gene increasing the likelihood of schizophrenia, discovered previously by foreign researchers.
"Tell a medical professional if hearing voices or experiencing hallucinations. "
Anhui Medical University housed the research and science experiments, analyzing the genetic makeup of well over 10,000 individuals, both schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. The National Human Genome Center, Peking University, and Anhui's First Hospital jointly conducted the research.
This study, available in scientific journal Nature Genetics, discovered more evidence for genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia on the genes 6p21-p22.1 as well as 11p11.2. Study findings may provide fundamental insight into the causes of schizophrenia, already supporting the prevalence of genetics.
Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental disorder. Sufferers have a hard time thinking logically and differentiating reality from illusive thought, making it extremely difficult for them to emotionally handle reality. Mental health experts are unsure of its causes, though genetics and environmental factors both seem to play a role.
What is most important for individuals suffering the symptoms of schizophrenia is to get help. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends contacting your health care provide if:
- Voices tell you to harm yourself or another;
- Experiencing overwhelming urges to harm life;
- Depression or anxiety seem to take over;
- Hallucinations begin.
Although there is no current means of preventing schizophrenia, treatment options are continuing to expand, creating an environment for improvement for patients working with their health professionals.
