My brother has schizophrenia. I am pregnant. What are the chances of me passing on the condition?

Hello concerned,

Sorry for the delay in responding.  I had searched for the statistics and couldn't immediately find them.

My answer to you is, not everyone who develops schizophrenia has a chronic form, and the earlier the person gets in treatment with medication, the better the outcome.

I know at least two people diagnosed with schizophrenia who have had children.  One woman has a healthy daughter.  The man has a daughter who developed bipolar, yet she has had a full and productive life.

I am sorry that your brother's schizophrenia has devasted your family.  From what you've said, it appears he isn't doing well, so I hope he is able to find some relief with medication and support, if not with therapy as an add-on treatment.

My final suggestion is that you educate yourself about the early warning signs, and should you suspect something is out of line, take your son or daughter in for treatment immediately.

The statistics are out there, yet I wouldn't go by what a statistic says, because it's enitrely possible you will raise a healthy child.  I wouldn't allow your worries to take over at this point, because your goal is to have a healthy pregnancy and there is some suggestion I've heard that a baby picks up on things in the womb. 

So when your child is born, continue to focus on giving your child love, and telling that child at every opportunity that you love him or her.

Regards,

cb

Hi Christina

Thanks for your response.  I'm not sure if this is the right place to reply.

My brother's condition is chronic and he'll need lifelong treatment - which he rejects.

It's been 15 years since he was diagnosed.  But many more years of pain, really. 

I was looking for statistics.  But you're right, I'll focus on the positive and try to recognise any early signs.  There's no point stressing about what may or may not happen.

Thank you for your thoughts.  Much appreciated.

My son is the only one in my familiy to develop sz, no uncles or aunts on either side of the family for many generations has had sz. I dont know the statistics either, but I dont see heredity in the picture as far as my family goes. this is new to all of us. good luck and try not to worry, all you really need to do is be an attentive parent and watch for signs. I personally had no idea of what to look for, so when sz hit my family when my son was 19, it was absolutely devasting and it took a while to figure out what was going on and  what to do about it. Congratulations on your fist child and I am sure it will all be fine. remember that stress can affect the child, so I suggest you just enjoy your child with all your heart and appreciate the beauty of life.

hi my brother also has schizophrenia but a mild form i have recently got engaged and children is something me and my partner want but i am not sure if my child will get it if its heredetry as i have seen my brother suffer and would not want that for my child please respond

aimee