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6d ago

Study Confirms Elevated Psychopathology Risk in Children of Parents with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder

Four-year BASYS study highlights diagnosis-specific symptom patterns and protective factors, calling for targeted interventions and further research.

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The study also highlights factors that can mitigate this risk. Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • Children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are significantly more likely to develop mental health issues compared to peers with unaffected parents.
  • Distinct symptom patterns were identified: schizophrenia is linked to attention deficits, disruptive disorders, and subclinical psychotic traits, while bipolar disorder correlates with mood disorders, ADHD, and subclinical bipolar symptoms.
  • The study followed 238 children aged 6–17 over four years, comparing their outcomes with those of a control group with no parental history of these conditions.
  • Higher parental psychosocial functioning and socioeconomic status were found to reduce the risk of psychopathology in children, emphasizing the importance of family and social support systems.
  • Researchers stress the need for sustained monitoring, early interventions, and larger studies to better understand intergenerational transmission of mental health vulnerabilities.