HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Schizophrenia Hereditary If There Is No Alcohol, Drugs And Smoking Involved?

default
Posted on Fri, 6 Sep 2013
Question: is schitzophrenia hereditary if theres no alcohol, drugs,prescription drugs or smoking involved
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Schizophrenia is not hereditary. it is the combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Having a family member puts you at a slightly higher risk rate than the rest of the general population but does not necessarily mean you would have schizophrenia. Also, not having a family member with schizophrenia does not mean that you cannot develop schizophrenia.

Environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia include infections while in the womb(certain viruses) and low birth weight , older paternal age, taking psychoactive drugs during adolescence and young adulthood.

Hope this helps and addresses your query fully. If you have follow up questions, please feel free to ask me and I will gladly address them.
I wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Schizophrenia Hereditary If There Is No Alcohol, Drugs And Smoking Involved?

Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Schizophrenia is not hereditary. it is the combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Having a family member puts you at a slightly higher risk rate than the rest of the general population but does not necessarily mean you would have schizophrenia. Also, not having a family member with schizophrenia does not mean that you cannot develop schizophrenia.

Environmental factors that contribute to schizophrenia include infections while in the womb(certain viruses) and low birth weight , older paternal age, taking psychoactive drugs during adolescence and young adulthood.

Hope this helps and addresses your query fully. If you have follow up questions, please feel free to ask me and I will gladly address them.
I wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD