What are my chances of developing a mental illness also?
This is a very common concern from anyone who has a family member with a severe illness. As far as current scientific understanding goes, the symptoms of schizophrenia seem to be the result of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Within the general population, an individual has a 1% chance of developing schizophrenia. For siblings of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, the risk increases to about 9%. (see a heredity chart on schizophrenia). Be aware that even if you inherit a genetic predisposition, this does not necessarily mean you will develop schizophrenia or any other psychiatric disorder. According to Troubled Journey, relatives tend to significantly overestimate their own personal risk for becoming sick. There are many things a person can do to decrease their own risk of developing schizophrenia or other mental illnesses. Knowing yourself and your own body, and doing everything you can to keep yourself mentally healthy and happy, is one of the best defenses against becom
