Citation

Jakimow-Venulet B. Br. J. Psychiatry 1981; 139: 450-456.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1981, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7332848

Abstract

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 an 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.

Language: en