New mental illness theory focuses on parents' genes

(New York Times) UPDATED 2008-11-10

Two scientists have developed a new theory about the origins of such mental health problems as autism and schizophrenia. Bernard Crespi and Christopher Badcock, who are considered "outsiders" in the field of genetics, say that an evolutionary "tug of war" between the genes from the father's sperm and the mother's egg can cause brain development to "tip" one of two ways. If the genes tip toward the father's genes, the brain may be more prone to autism. But a tip toward the mother's genes may make a child more prone to schizophrenia and to mood disorders such a bipolar disorder and depression. The scientists say their finding may open up entirely new roads for research into these disorders. Read full story >

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