The definition of Schizophrenia in CCMD-3
Schizophrenia comprises a group of psychotic disorders of unknown specific etiology often presented with a gradual onset of abnormalities in perception, thought, motion and behavior since young adulthood. Consciousness is usually maintained. Intelligence is intact, but in some cases, there is some degree of cognitive impairment. The natural course of the disorder is chronic remitting but sometimes deteriorating.
Age:the age of onset in 50% of patients is 20~30 year old,over 80% of patients is 16~35year old.
Gender:
Schizophrenia occurs equally in men and women(in abroad)
Molecular genetic studies
Two main approaches:
1. linkage analysis
It is applied to multiply affected families(高发家系), but no linkage markers have been clearly identified.