Q: What are the chances my child will develop schizophrenia?

A: One possible cause of schizophrenia may be heredity, or genetics. Adoption studies have shown that children born to a schizophrenic mother, but reared in a non-schizophrenic adoptive home, become schizophrenic at the same rate as those reared by the biological mother. These studies established that schizophrenia is heritable. However, the rate at which offspring of schizophrenic mothers become schizophrenic is only about 6% - 8%, indicating that many other factors, particularly environmental, play a role in the appearance of this illness. More than one gene may predispose people to schizophrenia, but there is currently no reliable way to predict whether a given person will develop the disease. Below is a general outline of the genetic probability of schizophrenia.

General population: .6% - 1%
Brother or sister has schizophrenia: 6%
One parent has schizophrenia: 6% - 8 %
Fraternal twin has schizophrenia: 10%
Both parents have schizophrenia: 39 - 46%
Identical twin has schizophrenia: 50%
One grandparent has schizophrenia: 4%

Q: What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

A: Schizoaffective is a disorder in which a person experiences symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, or negative symptoms (decreased energy, social withdrawal, etc.), while, during the same time period, experiences a major depressive, manic, or mixed episode. A person must experience these symptoms for at least one month and have at least a two week period with schizophrenic symptoms without the mood component. In contrast, schizophrenia is diagnosed if mood aspects are not present, there is a major disturbance in ability to work, in interpersonal relations or in self care, and if the condition continues for more than six months.

Q: What can I do if my family member refuses to take his/her medication?

A: This is one of the most frustrating problems families may experience. It may be hard to understand why someone would refuse to take medication when the necessity of doing so seems so obvious to everyone else. Patients with psychiatric disorders refuse medications for a variety of reasons, including side effects, lack of awareness of the illness or based on delusional beliefs. I Am Not Sick - I Don't Need Help by Xavier Amador is an excellent guide for families dealing with this potentially critical dilemma.

Q: How can I find out about the newest medications?

A: The summer issue of NARSAD's free quarterly Research Newsletter includes an article on new medications in development. Throughout the year, in the same publication, new medications recently approved by the FDA are highlighted. If you would like to subscribe to this free publication please send your name and address to info@narsad.org, or call the NARSAD Infoline at 800-829-8289.

Q: How can I participate in a clinical trial?

A: Please refer to the study search section of NARSAD's website. If there is not a study that suits your needs please contact the NARSAD Infoline at 800-829-8289.

Q: Are the symptoms of depression the same in adults and children?

A: Up to 2.5 percent of children and up to 8.3 percent of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from depression. The diagnostic criteria of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents are the same as they are for adults. However, recognition and diagnosis may be more difficult in youth. The way symptoms are expressed varies with the developmental stage of the youngster. Children and young adolescents with depression may have difficulty in properly identifying and describing their emotions. Therefore, instead of communicating how bad they feel, they may act out and be irritable toward others, which may be interpreted simply as misbehavior. Signs that might be associated with depression in children and adolescents:

• Frequent vague, non-specific physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or crying
• Being bored
• Lack of interest in playing with friends
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Fear of death
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Reckless behavior
• Difficulty with relationships
• Persistent sad or irritable mood
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Significant change in appetite or body weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Contact a physician if you feel your child may be experiencing depression.

More questions? Call the NARSAD Infoline at 1-800-829-8289 or ...info@narsad.org