Does Schizophrenia Skip A Generation? What We Know

Findings indicate that those who have a family member with schizophrenia may be more likely than the general population to develop the disorder themselves. However, this potential inheritance pattern may be inconsistent. In general, schizophrenia does not appear to skip a generation. Moreover, while genetic factors may predispose one to develop mental health disorders like schizophrenia, other factors, such as a person’s environment and behavior, may also play a significant role. Those living with schizophrenia can often manage their symptoms with treatment options like medication and regular therapy sessions.

Does schizophrenia skip a generation? 

Epigenetics can be defined as the study of how behavioral and environmental factors influence gene manifestation. Epigenetic changes are generally considered reversible and do not affect the DNA sequence. Instead, epigenetic changes can affect how your body responds to a DNA sequence, as certain genes may be turned "on" or "off" by behavioral and environmental factors, such as stress and eating habits.

One study of epigenetic mechanisms noted "the inconsistent heritability of schizophrenia" in research findings. The study suggests the risk of developing schizophrenia may be higher for a relative, but "the mechanisms that allow the disease to 'skip a generation' and to affect only one of a pair of monozygotic twins cannot be adequately explained with a static genetic model." Therefore, while genetics may put a person at higher risk of schizophrenia, other variables may impact whether a person goes on to develop the disorder. In addition, there doesn’t seem to be any clear indication that schizophrenia skips generations.

Brain development

Experts tend to agree that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The exact causes of its development currently remain unknown, with no single cause linked to the disorder. Some believe schizophrenia stems from changes in brain development involving multiple genes and risk factors. Theories have linked "adverse early exposures in utero," such as stress and immune processes, to changes in the way the adult brain works. Such changes may eventually produce symptoms of schizophrenia. Factors like maternal infection, birthing complications, prenatal stress, and prenatal nutrition may play a role in the eventual development of schizophrenia. Some researchers also believe there may be differences in connections between areas of the brain in those with schizophrenia. 

The role of neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters can be thought of as messengers between brain cells. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that might play a role in schizophrenia’s positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms usually refer to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior, whereas negative symptoms can involve loss of motivation, social withdrawal, and lack of emotional expression, among others.

As pointed out in an older article, "One indication that dopamine might be an important neurotransmitter in schizophrenia comes from the observation that individuals addicted to cocaine sometimes show symptoms similar to schizophrenia. Cocaine acts on dopamine-containing neurons in the brain to increase the amount of dopamine in the synapse." While updated research may be necessary, the dopamine hypothesis frequently persists as a potential explanation for schizophrenia’s symptoms.

In addition to dopamine, some scientists believe that those with schizophrenia could have an imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate. 

Environmental factors and behavioral factors

Experiencing stress has been linked with the manifestation of schizophrenia symptoms. Evidence suggests that stress during critical periods of development may increase one's vulnerability to psychosis. 

Findings indicate that nutrition may also play a role in schizophrenia, "affecting its development, progression and management." Nutritional deficiencies and excesses and the use of nutritional supplements in prevention indicate that they may influence the expression of symptoms. According to researchers studying these processes, gut bacteria may impact neurotransmitter levels, which, in turn, can impact schizophrenia symptoms.

Beyond genetic predisposition: Social factors

Scientists also believe that social factors can influence the development of mental illness, including schizophrenia. Factors that can impact a child's mental health may include abuse, financial hardship, marital discord, a parent's mental illness, neglect, and exposure to violence. Experiencing any of these may increase a child’s risk of eventually developing schizophrenia.

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Therapeutic approaches for addressing schizophrenia 

A cure for schizophrenia has not yet been found. However, distressing symptoms can often be successfully managed, and those with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling and productive lives with the proper treatment. There are often many ways to aid recovery, such as therapy, antipsychotic medication, and rehabilitation. 

Psychosocial rehabilitation can teach strategies and provide resources to help individuals readjust to living in society, such as assistance with finding employment and housing. Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs may also be helpful for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis, which can be considered an early stage of schizophrenia. 

One of the main therapeutic approaches to schizophrenia treatment can be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy. Often, CBT is used in combination with antipsychotic medication, which must be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people who engage in psychosocial treatment, such as CBT, tend to be less likely to reexperience symptoms and to be hospitalized.

CBT may help people with schizophrenia by teaching them effective ways to manage their symptoms and improving their ability to function independently. Other approaches, such as art therapy, can offer a therapeutic way to express thoughts, emotions, and experiences without relying solely on words.

Mental health support for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more

If you are concerned about your mental health and well-being, speaking to a therapist can be beneficial. A therapist can introduce helpful ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness meditation, and help you navigate any other symptoms you may be experiencing, although acute psychosis may need to be treated in person. Online therapy can be convenient for people who would rather speak to a therapist by phone, video, or online chat.

Effectiveness of online therapy

According to a 2018 study, online therapy may effectively treat individuals with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. While further research may be needed, existing studies suggest that online and in-person therapy tend to produce the same results.