Scientists could find genetic link to schizophrenia

Scientists believe there is a genetic link to schizophrenia, but found that it is not just one gene responsible.

A study published in the journal Nature Genetics revealed that DNA mutations are thought to play a major role in causing schizophrenia, which explains the high global incidence and persistence of the disease.

Dr Lars Davidsson, consultant psychiatrist and medical director at Angloeuropean Clinic, said while it is unlikely that a single schizophrenia gene could be isolated, the findings could reveal that one gene plays a more significant role than others.

"One thing that might happen would be to screen for that gene when monitoring pregnancies just as we are screening for other genetic conditions," Dr Davidsson explained.

However, he added that this can throw up moral dilemmas, especially if parents were then asked to consider an abortion in the event that the schizophrenia gene were found.

"Would that be the right thing to do?" he asked.