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Hereditary Factors in the Pathogenesis of Affective Illnesses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Barbara Jakimow-Venulet*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Psychoneurological Institute, 1/9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland

Summary

The purpose of the study was verification of a genetic distinction between bipolar and unipolar affective illness and investigation of hypotheses concerning the mode of genetic transmission of both illnesses. The investigation demonstrated a difference between a group of 150 probands with bipolar affective illness and 50 probands with unipolar affective illness.

A genetic-correlation analysis of both diseases showed that they are determined by different, partly correlated liabilities. Evaluation of the mode of inheritance suggests a multifactorial mode of inheritance of both affective illnesses: although genetic factors are of basic importance, continuously acting environmental factors also have a significant influence on the manifestation of the illness. The results suggest possible heterogeneity of both illnesses from the genetic standpoint.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1981 

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