X-Linkage in Affective and Schizoaffective Disorders: Genetic and Diagnostic Implications

Abstract

Published pedigrees informative for schizoaffective illness, affective disorder and X-chromosome markers (protan and deutan color blindness) were analyzed using linkage analysis methods that incorporate variable penetrance and age of onset. Close linkage between color blindness and affective disorder was demonstrated in pedigrees of schizoaffective probands. When considered in the context of previous X-linkage data on pedigrees of bipolar probands, these results provide further support for the hypothesis of X-linked inheritance in a subset of affective disorders. The implications for the genetics and nosology of affective illness were discussed.