my mother is schizophrenic and i beleive two of her sisters are schizophrenic. my brother was recently diagnosed with a minor case of schizophrenia, my fear is that i might be acceptable to getting the mental illness. Does anyone know if i might have a chance at inheriting this illness and are there things i can do to prevent myself from getting the illness? Thank you
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!
4/ 9/10 7:22pm
Hello Stephanie,
I understand that you're concerned however I would not obsess about this if I were you. I would read all you can on this web site about schizophrenia to be informed about how this illness takes its toll on your mother and brother and what the symptoms are and things like that. I feel your mother should be open to talking to you about her experiences living with schizophrenia.
Like with any illness, and especially with schizophrenia, the earlier someone gets treatment with medication and therapy, the better the outcome is.
It is possible you will not inherit the schizophrenia so I would instead focus on living your life and being active in the world. If you are in high school I recommend you do volunteer work or maybe even get a part-time job.
If you are a young adult, I also recommend you do things other young people would do. The best defense against schizophrenia is to have daily interactions with other people and to live a healthy life that includes work, school, friendships and possibly relationships, all things that people have and do as a matter of course.
It sounds like you are young. Be hopeful: schizophrenia is not a dead-end. People diagnosed with schizophrenia can and often do have full, productive lives. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was 22 and I currently have a Masters degree and two jobs and a third job on the side.
That is why I recommend being active in the world as the best defense against the symptoms.
Like I said though it is possible you won't develop schizophrenia. Not everyone with a relative who has this illness will develop it themselves. It is possible you won't develop it.
So be hopeful and get involved in the life around you.
Cheers,
Christina
4/ 9/10 3:15am
With a family history of parents having schizophrenia, there is an increased incidence of being diagnosed as schizophrenic. However, it is not contageous....so just because your mother, aunts, and brother have it doesn't mean that you are likely to get it. Depending on your age (you probably would have known by now if you are going to get it).
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By stephanie— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 04/08/10
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
