Schizophrenia shares genetic risk factors with bipolar disorder and depression and they are greater in men than women, according to a new study.
- Schizophrenia shares genetic risk factors with bipolar disorder and depression.
- Men have a higher genetic risk of schizophrenia than women.
- The results of this study could help develop more personalized psychiatric treatments, according to the researchers.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by several disabling symptoms such as loss of contact with reality (psychosis), hallucinations (usually hearing voices) as well as social withdrawal or cognitive difficulties. . Its causes are complex and multifactorial. However, a new study published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology allows you to find out more about this disorder which affects around 600,000 people in France and 23 million worldwide.
Men have a greater genetic vulnerability to this pathology than women.
Schizophrenia: genetic factors shared with bipolarity and depression
The objective of this study was to analyze the contribution of genetic factors in the development of psychotic disorders. To do this, the researchers reviewed the files of more than 3,000 patients, a little more than half of whom suffered from psychosis.
Analyzes show that schizophrenia shares genetic risk factors with bipolar disorder and depression.
“Our results reinforce the hypothesis that there are common genetic factors that contribute to the risk of developing these disorders, suggesting the existence of a shared biological basis between them”says Marina Mitjans of the University of Barcelona, first author of the study in a press release.
Schizophrenia: greater genetic vulnerability in men
Scientists have also discovered that men and women are not equal when it comes to the genetic factors of these risks. Men have a greater genetic vulnerability than women. For the team, this discovery could explain the differences observed in the prevalence, clinical presentation and response to treatment between the two sexes.
“Our study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in genetic studies to develop more personalized strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice”concludes Bárbara Arias, co-principal investigator of the CIBERSAM G08 group.
