Author Description

To what extent is mental illness inherited? The question is of compelling interest to patients, their families, clinicians, and society. This volume critically surveys current knowledge in the understanding of the hereditary component of psychiatric disorders. It analyzes the methodological strengths and weaknesses of the techniquesÑboth from traditional epidemiology and from new work in statistics and molecular geneticsÑused to determine the genetic component of these disorders. Ethical issues and the complexity of the relationships among genetically determined factors, social pressures, and developmental variables are stressed throughout. The volume is essential reading for clinicians, professionals, and students in psychiatry, psychology, human genetics, epidemiology, genetic counseling, criminal justice, sociology, alcohol and substance abuse studies.