Do You Think My Daughter Will Have Schizophrenia?

Just to give some perspective, my grandmother (dad's mom) had schizophrenia. She had six grandchildren; all of us are now adults; none of us have schizophrenia or serious mental illness (thank goodness).
Please consider doing two things: First, for your own sake, talk to a pediatric psychiatrist to discuss your concerns and get some sound information about schizophrenia and what it looks like in children. Along with giving you perspective that not all kids with the family history will get it, and not all kids who have this behavior at 7 months have it, it should help you feel a little more in control of the situation.
Second, talk to her pediatrician about her sleep issues and crying issues. Other things may be going on that can be addressed. If the pediatrician dismisses it, get a second opinion (maybe from a developmental pediatrician). All this may cost extra money; however, it may be worth it if it helps.

Stress during pregnancy doesn't cause schizophrenia. Stress during pregnancy and afterwards can lead to a needy, fussy baby. She might be hard to comfort because she's picking up on your stress, so try to calm down Mama. Having a relative with schizophrenia does increase the chances of having it, but it doesn't skip a generation or guarantee a child with schizophrenia in their family will have it. The actual numbers are 1% occurance in the general population, increasing to 10% in individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling). My half-sister was schizophrenic, which raised my chnces to 6% being a third-degree relative, but no one else in our family has it or any other mental illness. Your daughter's chances are less than 10% and greater than 6%, based on studies of people with second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles). I think you need to stop googling, take time to enjoy your daughter instead of worrying about her future and seek some therapy for yourself to deal with the repercussions of your childhood and your anxieties. Good luck!
If you want to actually research schizophrenia, please go to the National Institute for Mental Health for factual information:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia...

L.,

I can understand you are scared. I don't know what the chances are but I do know that if you really want to find out, you can go to a genetics' counselor and speak to them. They can help you sort out the probability of it etc. Either way, love your daughter and do your best to stop worrying. Enjoy her! Everything will be ok!

Tell the pediatrician what u have told us. Then, if there is more than 1 pediatrician in the group, ask for advice again.

There is a good chance that she is just fine !

I have heard that babies who never sleep can have ADHD and/or sensory integration dysfunction.

Also, babies have a keen sense in knowing how tense the adult is. Your baby may not be going down for naps because she can feel how worried and tense you are.

She might be crying because at 7 months she needs a nap.

It is good that she is sleeping for several hrs during the night ! That is certainly a nice long stretch of time !!!

Hi, many people can have a genetic disposition to have schizophrenia but never develop the symptoms. They may have good stress management skills, they may never have that stressor that can trigger a psychotic break, they may go through life and never have a single symptom. Then they may also have it and as soon as they have a single stress in their life just break and develop the behaviors and life is changed forever.

Did you ever see the episode of ER when Lucy and Carter were stabbed by a young college student who has having a psychotic break? I think that episode was very good at explaining a lot that can happen with this illness.

Just because she may carry the genes to possibly have this illness does NOT mean she automatically gets to have it. She may have it and she may not. Helping her learn good coping skills, how to reduce her stress, time management skills, etc....are all good ways of helping her to be prepared to face life's stress. Hopefully she will be able to overcome any issues and live a life without this illness.

You do realize that a person with a mental illness is not able to chose to do certain things no matter how much they try right? Your mom was not good to you, I understand that. I don't miss my mom a single bit but I miss my MIL every day. I do realize that my mom had mental issues and I try to rationalize that. She would have made different choices if she could have.

I had an uncle who was schizophrenic. It's a terrible disease that takes a terrible toll on families.

It typically shows symptoms in the late teen-age years to young adulthood, and has been found to be more common in men who were born in the spring.

I'm a pediatric nurse - I've worked in multiple different settings for the past 12 years, and I'd guess I've taken care of over 10,000 patients in that time with all kinds of disease, from RSV, to a kiddo post-heat transplant, to anorexia. I've Seen kids with add, ADHD, odd, ppd, MADD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc etc.

I've NEVER taken care of a kiddo with schizophrenia.

I read the book "January First", and I think, unfortunately for her and her family, she had an exceptionally severe case that presented early. Not the norm.

My bet is that your kiddo goes on to lead a mentally healthy and balanced life.

L. - I do not know anything about schizophrenia and how it's diagnosed. But I DO know about a baby who only sleeps 9 hours a day, takes no naps, and cries non stop. I had one of these babies!! I literally held her in my arms or pushed her in the stroller until she was 8 months old. I am not kidding when I say I NEVER put her down (unless it was in someone else's arms) because she would NOT stop crying. It was hell. BUT, she is 11 years old now and most definitely does not have schizophrenia. I share this with you in hopes that maybe your baby is just the same way as mine. This 11 year old of mine, she still needs very very little sleep. She'll have no problem getting up and out to the bus stop at 6:30am next year when she heads to middle school!! Good luck to you. I hope your little one is fine :)

L., stop worrying so much. Your daughter will feel your stress and mimick it, so calm down and stop worrying. Just love her and have fun with her and show her the love that you wish you'd have received from your mom, and you will be fine. Be positive about things, and tell yourself that everything will be fine, and your daughter will feel that. Most all babies carry on sometimes and don't sleep well. She will with time. Sending hugs your way.

Whoa!
Back it up.
No O. can answer that question for you.

The thing is, IF she does (and that's a big IF) you will love her, and advocate for her and do everything in your power to assure that she has a fulfilling life, happy right?
Please don't waste these precious days worrying!
Enjoy your little girl!

Stop being scared. Instead of panicing based on your mothers illness, inform yourself, research what you fear, speak to your pediatrician and express your concerns. Please remember that whatever stress you had while she was in utero, she fed off of and this continues to occur when baby arrives, Stop freaking out, put it in perspective and prepare. The reality is that your child has a 50/50 chance of having this mental illness. It is in her genetics. So please, for your own sanity and well being, as well as your daughter's, get well versed on this illness, for your own knowledge, not based on what your mother put you through. Also, you may want to see a therapist to help you relax or put things in perspective, so you can move forward and be prepared to help your daughter SHOULD that time come.
Good Luck L..

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-schizophrenia/...

http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Schizophrenia+in+Children&a...

Your daughter is fine!!!! I do not believe there is any hard science that says stress causes schizophrenia. I was completely stressed during my 3rd pregnancy. My 2nd child died when he was 17 days old. I could not have been more stressed through the entire pregnancy and my daughter is 9yo and fine.
Sleep issues in babies (and toddlers) are totally normal. Additionally, the odds are in your daughters's favor that she will not have mental health issues. Enjoy your daughter. There is absolutely NO reason to suspect she has this disease. Talk to your doctor if you become obsessed with these thoughts. You do not have to live like this. <HUGS>

Edit- my oldest slept very little too as an infant and toddler. She is more than making up for her lack of sleep as a teenager though. FYI... She is "gifted" and I have read that these kids are often times poor sleepers.

Hold your child if she wants it, it's good for her. My oldest needed to be held all the time, so I held him, and he's not schizophrenic.

It would be hard not to worry, but worrying isn't helpful. Assume the best and watch for symptoms. It's unusual for the disease to begin so young, usually it's later teens or early twenties.

Just enjoy her. There's nothing you can do except assume the best and take pleasure in these young years.

Being loving and giving her a good childhood is always a good start. Try not to worry, mom!

They have good treatments for schizoaffective disorder and "if" your daughter is found to have it, the disorder can be managed. Please stop worrying. [hugs]

This is just my opinion, but I think you would be helping yourself immensely by getting some help to process your feelings from your childhood. I think you are focused on your daughter and her behaviors because of what you grew up with. If you don't get some support, you are going to be wondering at every move she makes if it's because of schizophrenia. I don't think that anyone can tell you for sure whether she will have it or not. The point is that there are both genetic and environmental factors that affect a person's emotional and mental well being. If she grows up with lots of stress and anxiety via your parenting, that will not be healthy for her at all. I can definitely understand your concern, but try and keep it under control so that you don't miss the enjoyable moments as she grows up.

First of all, DO NOT blame yourself or think you can cause any mental illness or disorder during fetal development (unless you go out and smoke some crack, in which case you're on your own with that one). My 8yo has an ASD so I am not a big fan of blaming the mommy for this kind of stuff.

Secondly, I totally understand your concern. No parent wants to see their child in pain. I will tell you firsthand that if you start worrying and obsessing over schizophrenia you will miss valuable time you could be spending with your kiddo. For a long time after my daughter's diagnosis, I beat myself up about not getting her early intervention sooner. Eventually I realized that if I had, I would have spent the first two years of her life hovering over her and getting her to "meet milestones" instead of just enjoying her.

I can't love my daughter's autism away any more than you can love away schizophrenia. Still, I don't know any human who doesn't thrive without love and support no matter where they're at.

You're doing fine. Now take a deep breath, and go and enjoy that baby!

Please don't guess about this when you have no facts. Do not worry your self over something you know nothing about. Please see a psychiatrist ASAP to discuss what is actually known about schizophrenia, it's familial patterns, it's symptoms and it's treatment.They can also help guide you over time in determining if your child has any schizo traits/behaviors (versus regular childhood developmental (or rebellion) issues etc). Although childhood schizo can manifest after about age 5, most often schizo shows up in the late teen years and early adult years. Right around 17-28 or so is a prime time for it to manifest. Please talk to a professional to learn the facts, but also to learn to manage your fears about this situation. Hopefullly then, you can live a more productive, less stress free life.Good luck to you - enjoy your daughter. Don't let this worrying take away from enjoying being a mother. Your daughter is a baby - she needs you unconditionally.Let her enjoy you being her mother as well!

My stepsister's mom had it. My stepsister has a son. He does not have it. Let your pediatrician know your concerns, but do not make yourself crazy about this. I believe that this is a psychological disorder that can be treated with medication, but I'm sure a healthy, loving childhood helps give a strong foundation. It's something every kid needs. Love your girl, and don't waste time on worrying. Ask your pedi about the crying, as she may have reflux, which hurts when a baby lies down. Perhaps look into counseling for yourself to deal with the stuff your mom put you through so you don't carry that baggage into your new relationship with your sweet baby. Good luck and breathe and relax.

Google the odds. You 'll find that they are still very very low for your daughter. Even someone with BOTH parents suffering from the disease only have around a 50 percent chance. Research it but then try not to worry as not ugh you can do. I don't think the sleep thing is a sure sign at all. People are dream kids and then boom - schizophrenia hits. Taking drugs seems to be one of the highest contributing factors so do your best to keep her away someday. I know it's hard but really the odds are very low.

I can understand your concern, and it is normal to feel this way. However my opinion would be to talk to your doctor with your concern. Childhood schizophrenia is rare in children, its about 1 in 40,00 compared to adults which is closer to 1 in 100. For women onset starts around age 25 so you might not have our answer for a while. They do not know exactly what Schizophrenia but you are correct it does run in families but since you do not have its only a second degree relative which means she has a better chance of not having it. But two ease your mind or to get a better understanding of what you need to look for talk to a pediatrician or specialist otherwise you are just going to worry yourself to death. Keep in mind for children diagnosing them early on is hard they have to rule out other disorders first and 9/10 its something else. Keep your head up I now this can't be easy for you.

We all worry about something, in your case you have gone through something very traumatic and it stays with you. I saw the show on January too. Her case is very unusual. Schizo rarely appears in childhood and many people have relatives with schizo and other neurological disorders. You are lucky that your daughter sleeps 13 hours uninterrupted! Maybe that is all she needs. Some babies need to be held more than others, my son loved being held too. I honestly don't think it sounds like there is anything wrong with your daughter. I would reccomend watching out for things and reading up on what is normal, but take it from me, don't let your worry about what could happen ruin this beautiful time of what is.

This question needs to be asked of your daughter's pediatrician.

I will tell you that some high needs babies are like this, and they don't have schizophrenia. There are some babies who don't sleep much who end up having ADHD.

The best thing you can do is work with her doctor and give her lots of love, and as she grows, loving but firm limits. Make sure that she doesn't need help from an OT for sensory integration problems - an OT can really help that. You might ask for a referral now to someone who has a lot of experience with infant massage - that might help her relax some.

Good luck,
Dawn

I think you have very valid reasons to be worried for your daughter. I would make sure your pediatrician is completely aware of your past and your mothers health problems and your concern for your daughters mental health due to genetics. A good doctor will help you keep a closer eye on her and educate you in the process. I truly hope the best for you and for your little one!

You need to talk to professionals about your fears. They will be able to help you know what to watch for, etc. If nothing else, you will be ready to deal with it if the day comes and early intervention is always the best treatment.

I saw the TV shows about January but remember, she is just ONE CASE in a million. Many of us have schizophrenic relatives and most never develop it.

Many of us also have demanding babies. Keep in mind, babies are very perceptive. She could be sensing stress from you and reacting to it.

Go see a professional and tell them everything. You will feel better.

Please stop worrying about your daughter! Just love her and treat her well. The more you worry, the more you create an environment less conducive to healthy development. While there is a genetic component to schizophrenia, it doesn't "skip generations", if you have one second degree relative (ie grandmother/granddaughter) with schizophrenia, you have less than a 25% risk of developing it. There are also environmental contributions to schizophrenia - deprivation, trauma etc. Enjoy your beautiful daughter and motherhood.

I'm a child psychiatrist in practice 18 years.

You just answered your question, you would love her regardless.

This is one of those "you have to cross the bridge when you get there" scenarios. I am not discrediting your fears as I understand them to be real. However, nobody really knows this early on. I suggest you enjoy her right now instead of worrying about what she may or may not be.

From what I understand schizophrenia is a brain disorder. So loving and cuddling can not prevent this disorder. However, I do believe that we all have our own personalities adjunct to the disorder. So all that nurturing can only bring good things regardless of whether she will develop this disorder or not.

One of my favorite people in my lifetime was schizophrenic. He was a great human being and to this day thoughts of him never fail to put a smile on my face. I named my firstborn after him.

(((HUGS)))
D.

You can't worry about something that hasn't happened yet (or in your case been diagnosed) until you have something to worry about coz it will drive you crazy!

Enjoy your daughter - love her, rock her, do whatever it takes to soothe her and what will be is going to be, but don't continually worry about. she is only 6 months.

There are lots of babies that cry non stop when they are little, but it doesn't mean they are schizioprenic. There are alot of other reasons why they do that. Colic, stomach issues etc.

Don't worry about something until you have something to worry about. Also reading too much about things can be just as bad and give too much information that doesn't even apply.

Non one knows for sure the likelihood of your daughter becoming like your Mom until it happens or doesn't happen. Try to not read into anything, but continue to love your daughter and be the best Mom you can be to her.

L.:

Welcome to mamapedia!!

I am not going to call you crazy. I am going to tell you to STOP. Take a deep breath and STOP.

PLEASE!!!! stop worrying about your daughter. She is ONLY 7 months old. STOP!!! DO NOT push this on her or even give her the "complex" - let her be who she is or better yet - who she is going to be.

LOVE her - interact with her.

Please find a therapist so that you can download this stress on him/her instead of your daughter. LEARN about the disease but DO NOT look for it and label her.

DO NOT TREAT HER as if she is mentally ill.
DO NOT keep looking for things to "back up" your assertion.

DO NOT use the internet to look for signs of mental illness. You will find that even blinking of the eyes are a way to "tell" of an illness. LET IT GO. Yes, you can be aware of it. But REALLY - let her be a child.

DO NOT bring her up talking about her grandmother being a schizophrenic.

If you are not talking with your mom - fine. But DO NOT start TRYING to label your daughter. ENJOY HER!!

Already you have received a lot of good reassuring responses. I can only add that you need to take care of yourself, so you can care for your child whatever her differences may be. Also, you must not blame yourself or feel guilt if she does indeed develop a mental illness. Lastly, scizophenia is less common among women than men and as mentioned before the symptoms are more likely to develop or show themselves at an older age. Enjoy the time you have with your daughter now. You only have today.

I actually thinks it's great that your baby sleeps through the night. I know that you're stressed but it sounds like if you don't stop with this obsession that she's going to be mentally ill, then you may actually be the cause of her mental trauma one day. I'm not trying to be mean but just allow your daughter to grow & develop with out leaving your thoughts of mental illness effect her. Enjoy being a mom and if that should come down the road one day, then you'll deal with it then but don't let this precious time pass you by worrying. Once it's gone, it's gone. To ease your mind, speak with her dr. about your concerns. Babies, just like all of us are different. Based just upon her sleep pattern & visual stimulation isn't warranted to diagnose mental illness. Many babies that are perfectly normal can be that way too. About the stress during pregnancy, I think if you ask most moms will say that they also were stressed and have healthy children. I wish you & your daughter the best of luck!

Hi L.,

I recommend to be proactive and not worry about what could happen down the road. Check out healthy child.org and follow their recommendations feeding your baby organic food, along with a healthy environment. If you would like more information on how to keep your baby balanced email me and I will share some tips with you. Enjoy your baby and give her lots of love.

N. Marie
____@____.com