Would Mental Illness Be Inherited by the Next Generation?

Question

Would mental illness be inherited by the son of a patient?

Answer

First-degree relatives of patients with mental illness, such as parents and siblings, are at a higher risk of developing the same condition, but not all patients with mental illness will pass on the disease to their offspring. The scientific community has not yet found a definitive genetic pattern, so an absolute answer cannot be provided. However, medical research indicates that genetic factors play an important role in the onset of mental illnesses. While genetic factors may increase the risk of developing the disease, environmental factors, life stressors, and other biological factors can also influence whether the disease will manifest. Therefore, even if there is a history of mental illness in the family, it does not necessarily mean it will be inherited by the next generation.