What are the odds of my child having Schizophrenia if I have 2 family members who have the illness?

Question

I would like to have a baby but I am afraid that I could have a child with Schizophrenia. I have 2 sisters who have the illness. My husband has no history of mental illness.

Answer 1

I think it's really responsible of you to be concerned about this and looking into it. Your concerns are definitely valid. There is a lot of research out there on schizophrenia and genetics. Personally, I don't have a list of good resources, as my focus is on other psychiatric illnesses, but I know the information is out there.

Answer 2

There have been studies that show that Schizophrenia can be common to families. Knowing that two immediate family members have been diagnosed with it would probably make me stop and think twice about having a child. It's one thing to have a child and something to be wrong and no one had a clue until it happened... but if you have odds against you, I say don't take them on. We have a proclivity in our family towards breast cancer in the women on my mom's side, and it didn't come out until after I had had my daughters, or I might have rethought the whole idea of bringing children into such a situation. It's really your own decision. No one can tell you whether to follow your heart or your head, only you and your husband.

Answer 3

there is an increased possibility for your child to have it and with it being your sisters seeing it is closer in the family it would be a stronger gene. I would consult a doctor about the problem and see what they have to say remember its just an increased possibility no matter how your child comes out I'm sure you will love them but it is more a question of whether you have the strength to go through it with them.
There are tons of babies out there who have no family at all and dream of having a mum so remember adoption can always be an option if it worries you.