|  |

|

Scientific Research

November 13, 2008

The New York Times reports that a new theory of brain development may provide greater understanding of the biology behind mental illness.

Doctors Bernard Crespi and Christopher Badcock propose that the competing influence of paternal and maternal genes may determine where a child’s developing brain falls in what they call the psychotic spectrum.

This spectrum would include most, if not all, psychiatric and developmental brain disorders. For example, a strong bias towards the father may move a developing brain along the autism spectrum, while greater maternal influence may move a developing brain to the opposite end of the spectrum, which includes illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.

 

Post a Comment, Share on Facebook

|  |

|

---

Join NAMI today!

When you become a member of NAMI, you become part of America's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness. And now you can join online.