Twin concordance for DSM-III-R schizophrenia.

Abstract

The monozygotic (MZ)/dizygotic (DZ) concordance rates for schizophrenia and the relationship between schizophrenia and schizophrenic spectrum disorders were studied in a sample of 31 MZ and 28 DZ schizophrenic probands and their co-twins. All subjects were personally interviewed with structured diagnostic instruments and classified according to DSM-III-R criteria. The concordance rates of 48% for MZ twins and 4% for DZ twins indicate a genetic transmission of DSM-III-R schizophrenia. In addition to the schizophrenic co-twins, 3 MZ co-twins had a noneffective psychotic disorder, thus supporting the hypothesis that genes are involved in the development of Axis I schizophrenic spectrum disorders. Schizotypal and paranoid personality disorders were observed in both MZ and DZ co-twins. These disorders may be familially related to schizophrenia, but a genetic relationship was not confirmed for the Axis II spectrum disorders. A substantial number of MZ co-twins of schizophrenic probands had no mental disorder.

• Authors: S Onstad, I Skre, S Torgersen, E Kringlen
• Journal: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica (Acta Psychiatr Scand) Vol. 83 Issue 5 Pg. 395-401 (May 1991) ISSN: 0001-690X [Print] United States
• PMID: 1853734 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Anxiety Disorders (classification, diagnosis, genetics)
• Depressive Disorder (classification, diagnosis, genetics)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Norway
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales (statistics & numerical data)
• Psychotic Disorders (classification, diagnosis, genetics)
• Risk Factors
• Schizophrenia (classification, diagnosis, genetics)
• Schizophrenic Psychology
• Twins, Dizygotic (genetics)
• Twins, Monozygotic (genetics)