Hereditary factors in the pathogenesis of affective illnesses.
The purpose of the study was verification of a genetic distinction between bipolar and unipolar affective illness and investigation of hypotheses concerning the mode of genetic transmission of both illnesses. The investigation demonstrated a difference between a group of 150 probands with bipolar affective illness and 50 probands with unipolar affective illness. A genetic-correlation analysis of both diseases showed that they are determined by different, partly correlated liabilities. Evaluation of the mode of inheritance suggests an multifactorial mode of inheritance of both affective illnesses: although genetic factors are of basic importance, continuously acting environmental factors also have a significant influence on the manifestation of the illness. The results suggest possible heterogeneity of both illnesses from the genetic standpoint.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications; D012306:Risk; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D013405:Suicide