Can IVF screen for schizophrenia

[bjrpengjing]

I have schizophrenia. I plan to ivf to have a baby. Anybody know if IVF can screen for schizophrenia ?

[zeno]

They can’t even screen for it when you are adult…

[Ninjastar]

They haven’t yet isolated which genes are responsible for causing schizophrenia, and they suspect there are many. So, no, IVF can’t scan for it. But there are steps you can take to try and prevent it from being passed on. Hang on and I’ll link those threads.

[Ninjastar]

Preventing Schizophrenia during Pregnancy with high Choline Intake

This is a little old - but wanted to make sure everyone knows about it: This new study shows the potential for prenatal choline to significantly reduce the risk of mental illness in children. While this one study only focuses on schizophrenia, stress hormones during pregnancy (which choline reduces significantly) increases risk of all mental illness - so this approach likely will reduce the incidences of all mental illnesses. This is really big news.

[Ninjastar]

Use of psychotropic / antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy and breast-feeding

RESULTS: Sertraline and citalopram are first-line treatment among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for depression. It is recommended to use lithium for bipolar disorders if an overall assessment finds an indication for mood-stabilizing treatment during pregnancy. Lamotrigine can be used. Valproate and carbamazepin are contraindicated. Olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine and clozapine can be used for bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: It is important that health professionals treating fertile women with a psychiatric disease discuss whether psychotropic drugs are needed during pregnancy and how it has to be administered. Source:

[Ninjastar]

New Study on Preventing Schizophrenia: Dietary supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids from weaning limits brain biochemistry and behavioural changes elicited by prenatal exposure to maternal inflammation

Flu during pregnancy is known to be a (perhaps very significant) contributing factor in the development of schizophrenia for the offspring. The flu triggers an immune response with increased Cytokines that also harm the developing brain of the fetus, and predispose the child to increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. This new study done in mice suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids may mitigate that risk of schizophrenia. It seems to confirm the earlier studies done on how omega 3 (specifically Omega 3 fatty acids high in EPA ) that was reported a while back: and our news story here: http://schizophrenia.com/?p=419 Please note, if you do give your children omega 3 fish…

[Skims]

I just went to an IVF clinic for a consultation on egg freezing. I asked this very question, they said no, not at this time. However, by the time i am ready and able to do the IVF the technology may have advanced far enough to check.

I also did a panel for genetic testing. I was told they are currently testing 28 different types of cancer genes but however no mood or sz genes yet.

[Anna]

Nah. They don’t really know precisely what causes sz yet…there are a few genes that they think may be associated with it…but anything related to genetics is tricky because just because it’s in your genes doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen. Also often it’s not as simple as being like “aha there’s the sz gene” because very very few disorders are caused by one or two genetic mutations, rather they are generally caused by many (as in a LOT) interacting at once.

It will be a long time before they can properly screen for something like sz.

[anon35453467]

In vitro fertilisation is the placing of an embryo externally into a womb. The screening of the embryo for the schizophrenia gene is a totally different process.

Here’s a link to CBS’s search for preimplantation: https://www.cbsnews.com/search/?q=preimplantation

Also an excerpt from the 60 Minutes episode: “Breeding Out Disease”.

[bjrpengjing]

The IVF clinic accept patient who has schizophrenia ,right?

[LED]

Yes, they do. Why wouldn’t they?

[anon9798425]

The most important steps you can take (much more important than supplements) is to avoid all drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, to take any prescribed meds the way your doctor recommends you do it while pregnant, and to make sure your child has a safe upbringing in a warm and loving environment.

[Skims]

Yes, they want your $$$. lol. Its expensive to do.

They were just concerned that I take my meds as prescribed and have symptoms under control throughout the process.

[bjrpengjing]

Do they require extra money because of schizophrenia?

[Skims]

Nope. It really doesn’t play any role in the treatment.

[bjrpengjing]

If do IVF, I have to stop medication. If stop medication, I am afraid of i will out of control because of schizophrenia.

[LED]

It depends what medicines you’re on.

[bjrpengjing]

Do you stop Antipsychotics while do IVF?

[bjrpengjing]

You mean i can take medication while do IVF?

[Skims]

No, they said to continue to take them. I’m on Abilify. You are born with all the eggs you’ll have I don’t think a few days to weeks of not taking meds will effect their outcome