How Do Genetics and Environment Shape Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric illness characterized by recurrent episodes of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, influenced by both genetics and environment. These symptoms often lead to apathy, social disengagement, and poor emotional control.

Genetic Insights into Schizophrenia

For centuries, researchers have known that schizophrenia runs in families, prompting them to explore genetic testing and studies to identify risk factors. Recent genomic studies identified nearly 300 common and over 20 uncommon genetic variants as significant risk factors for schizophrenia. These insights arise from extensive genome-wide association studies, whole-exome sequencing, and other investigations.

Understanding Brain Function and Structure

Concurrent research on brain organization reveals intricate cellular compositions and connections in both neurotypical individuals and those with schizophrenia. These findings reveal the complex pathways of schizophrenia, emphasizing the significance of multiple genes over single-gene causation. Known as “polygenicity,” this phenomenon is challenging to understand fully due to insufficient theoretical frameworks and experimental methods.

Addressing Challenges in Research: Genetics and Environment

In their article for Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Patrick Sullivan, MD, FRANZCP, the Yeargan Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine, and researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, discuss these challenges and propose a course of action.

The Role of Contextual Factors: Genetics and Environment

Sullivan and colleagues highlight the significance of contextual factors, including lifestyle, drug use, poverty, stress, and delivery issues. Though harder to study than genetic data, researchers find these factors crucial because they can modify some environmental influences.

Conclusion: Embracing Complexity in Future Research

“The findings to date resoundingly indicate complexity,” stated Sullivan, who also directs the UNC Centre for Psychiatric Genomics and the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute. This knowledge emphasizes accepting schizophrenia as a genetic and environmental enigma rather than deterring future research efforts. We must scale our research accordingly to improve the lives of those impacted by schizophrenia.”