The strength of the genetic effect. Is there room for an environmental influence in the aetiology of schizophrenia?
The evidence for a genetic contribution to schizophrenia is compelling. However, the pattern of inheritance is complex and it is usually assumed that environmental factors also have a role that will eventually be identified. We argue that this is not necessarily the case. While a hypothesis combining genetic diathesis with environmental stress cannot be disproved, it is also possible that 'non-genetic' factors consist entirely of stochastic events affecting gene expression or structure.
McGuffin
P
P
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
Asherson
P
P
Owen
M
M
Farmer
A
A
D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010553:Personality Development; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012931:Social Environment