is schizophrenia hereditary?

I believe that my SZA is a result of three factors. 1) Genetic. My mom's side of the family there are a few that have some form of mental illness. 2.) Physical abuse. My oldest brother beat me up for years. 3.) Street drugs. Drugs brought my SZA into full bloom during a night of heavy partying.

My son has SZA also. He suffers without treatment. My grandson shows signs of a mental illness.

As for avoiding SZ, I haven't a clue. I think in my case and my son's case there was no way of avoiding it.

Hello glintmoore,

Schizophrenia can be hereditary.  It runs on my mother's mother's side of the family.  Two other family member as well as myself have schizophrenia.

There's no guarantee that someone with a family history of SZ will definitely get it or not get it.  The main thing is to educate yourself about the early warning signs and symptoms, so that if you or a loved one exhibits them, a bell goes off and they or you get immediate treatment.

If you are a parent, do the best you can to be understanding of your children and show them in positive ways that you love them, like telling them "I love you" often, if not every day.  I feel in my life I would've had it a lot easier as a child if my parents understood that I was different and instead of trying to change me or criticize me, they could've tried to listen and encourage me to be myself and not who they wanted me to be, which was something I couldn't live up to.

So environment can indeed trigger schizophrenia when there is a genetic link in one's family.  My parents inability to be there for me certainly contributed to my early hardships.

Lastly, if someone has schizophrenia, early intervention with medication and therapy results in a better outcome.

Regards,

Christina Bruni