The Complex Genetics of Schizophrenia 

This piece, by Onno Berkan, was published on 10/08/24. The original text, by Ma-Li Wong, was published by NeuroscienceNews on 09/06/24.

Schizophrenia is often associated with common cognitive deficits, such as lower IQ, which were hitherto thought to result from the same inheritable origins. A recent study that reviewed genetic and population studies suggests otherwise, though, as the cognitive deficiencies were found to be independent genetic mutations that are non-familial. These mutations were found to affect the chances of an individual developing Schizophrenia, however, potentially leading to a spectrum of disorders.

Cognitive impairment was found to be a prime risk factor for schizophrenia, with how much one’s intelligence deviates from what their family history would predict being a great forecaster for schizophrenia. The good news from this story is that the genetic mutations that drastically increase the chances of schizophrenia are not inherited, with familial factors playing a small role.

Furthermore, researchers suggest that the many genetic variations that lead to these cognitive impairments also lead to a spectrum of impairments on the Schizophrenia spectrum. These findings imply that looking for specific cognitive impairments may be very beneficial in identifying schizophrenia early on, with future research focusing on the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia.

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