Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - 2004 - Volume 27, Issue 06  


Short Communication

Evolutionary theories of schizophrenia must ultimately explain the genes that predispose to it

Matthew C. Keller a1
a1 Center for Society and Genetics, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1405 matthew.c.keller@gmail.com http://www.matthewckeller.com

Abstract

If alleles that predispose to schizophrenia have reduced Darwinian fitness, their persistence in modern times is puzzling. Burns identifies the evolutionary genetics of schizophrenia as a central issue, but his treatment of it is not clear. Recent advances in evolutionary genetics can help explain the persistence of alleles that predispose to debilitating disorders such as schizophrenia, and can buttress Burns' core argument.