The Genetic Influence of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Authors Jennifer K. Forsyth and Robert F. Asarnow discuss the overlap and prevalence of Adult Onset Schizophrenia (AOS) and Child Onset Schizophrenia (COS). There are a number of variants associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), these variants often work together to increase the likelihood of an individual will have the genes to indicate a prevalence of these disorders along with symptoms, and the possibility of a psychotic event to solidify the diagnosis of such disorders. The diagnosis of COS often overlaps with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because of their similarities in genetics and symptoms in children under 13 years old. The ability to test for genetic variances is currently limited so the ability to treat by an individual basis is not where it should be but, there is much hope for the future of genetic screening. Future studies of these variances are very promising for the development of model interventions for neurological disorders such as AOS and COS.