The Genain quadruplets (born in 1930) are a set of identical quadruplet sisters. All four developed schizophrenia, suggesting
a large genetic component to the cause of the disease
. The pseudonym Genain, used to protect the identity of the family, comes from the Greek, meaning dire (αἶνος) birth (γεν-).
What is so unusual about the Genain quadruplets?
The Genains, a unique group of monozygotic female quadruplets,
all developed a schizophrenic disorder by age 24
. They have been studied since the 1950s, because of the rarity of this occurrence (estimated to be one in 1.5 billion) and because their illnesses varied in severity.
What was so remarkable about Genain quadruplets in the 1960s?
What made the family remarkable was the fact that the four female children (date of birth, April 14, 1930) were
iden- tical quadruplets and had all been hospitalized for a schiz- ophrenic disorder by the time
they were in their early 20s.
Who studied the Genain quadruplets?
They were studied by
David Rosenthal and colleagues
at the National Institute of Mental Health in the late 1950's when they were in their twenties and again in 1981 when they were 51. They are faring about as well now as they ever have in their adult lives.
Is schizophrenia inherited?
Genetics.
Schizophrenia tends to run in families
, but no single gene is thought to be responsible. It's more likely that different combinations of genes make people more vulnerable to the condition. However, having these genes does not necessarily mean you'll develop schizophrenia.
What are the possible causes of schizophrenia?
- Genetic factors. A predisposition to schizophrenia can run in families. …
- Biochemical factors. Certain biochemical substances in the brain are believed to be involved in schizophrenia, especially a neurotransmitter called dopamine. …
- Family relationships. …
- Stress. …
- Alcohol and other drug use.
Are there identical quadruplets?
Identical monochorionic quadruplets occur
when a fertilized egg splits in two
, and both cells split again. Unlike fraternal twins, which come from separate eggs and implant independently, identical multiples are lumped together, sharing one placenta.
Which of the following defines the persecutory type of delusional disorder?
A person with persecutory delusions
is unable to recognize reality
. They strongly believe people or groups, like the government, intend to harm them. These beliefs are often unrealistic or bizarre. Persecutory delusions frequently appear in mental health disorders, like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
What is the evidence for structural damage in the brains of patients with schizophrenia?
Introduction. It is now generally accepted that schizophrenia is associated with structural brain abnormalities, with the most consistent findings being
enlarged lateral ventricles and reduced medial temporal and prefrontal lobe volumes
.
How many of the Genain quadruplets developed schizophrenia?
The Genain quadruplets (born in 1930) are a set of identical quadruplet sisters. All
four
developed schizophrenia, suggesting a large genetic component to the cause of the disease.
Are schizophrenics intelligent?
5:
People with schizophrenia aren't smart
. Some studies have found that people with the condition have more trouble on tests of mental skills such as attention, learning, and memory. But that doesn't mean they're not intelligent.
Can schizophrenia go away?
While
no cure exists for schizophrenia
, it is treatable and manageable with medication and behavioral therapy, especially if diagnosed early and treated continuously.
What are 5 causes of schizophrenia?
- Genetics. One of the most significant risk factors for schizophrenia may be genes. …
- Structural changes in the brain. …
- Chemical changes in the brain. …
- Pregnancy or birth complications. …
- Childhood trauma. …
- Previous drug use.
What are the 4 A's of schizophrenia?
The fundamental symptoms, which are virtually present through all the course of the disorder (7), are also known as the famous Bleuler's four A's:
Alogia, Autism, Ambivalence, and Affect blunting
(8). Delusion is regarded as one of the accessory symptoms because it is episodic in the course of schizophrenia.
At what age is schizophrenia usually diagnosed?
Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the
late teens to the early 20s for men
, and the late 20s to early 30s for women. It is uncommon for schizophrenia to be diagnosed in a person younger than 12 or older than 40. It is possible to live well with schizophrenia.
What do people with schizophrenia see?
Roughly 70% of people with schizophrenia will experience
hallucinations
. Auditory hallucinations are most commonly experienced by people with schizophrenia and may include hearing voices—sometimes multiple voices — or other sounds like whispering or murmuring.
