Are schizophrenia and bipolar disorders genetically related?

Abstract

For more than hundred years research in psychiatry has proceed under the assumption that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are distinct entities, with separate underlying disease process and treatment. It is predicted that in coming years molecular genetic studies will overturn this traditional dichotomous view. The article reviews evidence that bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia (SCH) might share familial risk characteristics. Family studies of BP and SCH suggest partial overlap in familial susceptibility. Molecular linkage studies indicates that some susceptibility loci may be common for both nosological classes. Current evidence supports DAOA, DISC1 and COMT as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder susceptibility loci. Some research suggests, that there might be a genetic connection between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Future identification of psychosis susceptibility genes will have a major impact on our understanding of disease pathophysiology.