"Schizophrenia gene is identified by scientists" Scientists have found the gene responsible for an inherited form of schizophrenia, raising hopes of a better understanding of the most common serious mental illness. Although there have been many claims about gene discoveries relating to schizophrenia, the researchers believe that this time they have found a genuine genetic basis to the disease, bringing the prospect of new treatments and tests. Klaus-Peter Lesch, a neuroscientist at the University of Würzburg in Germany, said that the gene was discovered by studying three generations of an extended German family where eight members suffered from schizophrenia. Scientists think one function of the gene may be that it is involved in the transport of nerve impulses in the brain. It is thought that mutations in the gene cause abnormalities in nerve transmission, which result in schizophrenic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disturbed body movements. "Based on these findings we can elucidate the functions of the gene. The whole biology of the disorder can be better studied once we know the key players," Dr Lesch said. "This may be one gene of many and if the research can be replicated by other scientists it will certainly be the first gene shown to be involved in schizophrenia," he said. Dr Lesch said schizophrenia may depend on 20 genes. Other factors are also thought to be involved. "We have good evidence, for instance, that viral infection during pregnancy is a high risk factor for schizophrenia," he said. By Steve Connor, Science Editor 20 March 2001 From "The Independent" an English broadsheet ---------------------------------------------------------- "Perceptions" note: Hype and soundbites, control the publicity and possible funding of projects so we're getting used to so-called 'scientists' (& reporters) claiming unprovable (& later to be dis-proved) magic bullets. Logical analysis of that release above shows it is saying _nothing_ about a genetic _cause_ of so-called `schizophrenia' - merely adding yet another factor which _may_ be contributory to a largely spurious `condition'. Here's more realistic comment in Matt Ridley's "Nature Via Nurture" [2003] - "Schizophrenia has now been linked to markers on most of the human chromosomes. Only six human chromosomes (3, 7, 12, 17, 19 and 21) do not have putative links to schizophrenia. But few of the links prove durable and every study seems to find a different link." [p. 107] Later- Even more interesting, the whole status of "schizophrenia", which we've personally considered suspect for quite a while (since reading of many shady and frankly illegal diagnoses) is now questioned - and questioned by experts in the field of mental health. Check www.perceptions.couk.com/psystars.txt where Professor Richard Bentall seems prepared to spill the beans - "Psychiatric diagnoses are based on a set of false assumptions stemming from the 19th century, ... Although deep-seated, these assumptions have very little scientific value, and could actually be detrimental to patients and their treatment options." --------------------- Evidence file for Altruist Survivor's "Options" page www.perceptions.couk.com/genes8.html and "Sexual Differences" page www.perceptions.couk.com/genes4.html --------------------- Real truth re: hyped-up "genetic" claims - at www.perceptions.couk.com/gentruth.txt --------------------- Latest - more bad-sci hype from BBC, check www.perceptions.couk.com/bbc2.html ------------------------------------------------ FURTHER REFERENCES GO - "search perceptions" - in SEARCH-ENGINE file-ID www.perceptions.couk.com/badscihyp.txt