Showing papers by "Robin M. Murray published in 1983"
TL;DR: HLA antigens and 19 other genetic marker systems were studied in 12 families containing 2 or more members diagnosed as schizophrenic and found no evidence of linkage with Gm or Gc.
Abstract: HLA antigens and 19 other genetic marker systems were studied in 12 families containing 2 or more members diagnosed as schizophrenic. In contrast with previous reports we could exclude linkage between the disorder and HLA, and we found no evidence of linkage with Gm or Ge. The disagreement between our results and those of a previous study, which suggested linkage between HLA and schizophrenia, could not be explained on the basis of genetic heterogeneity within the disorder. The problems of performing a linkage study in the face of diagnostic uncertainty and an unknown mode of inheritance of the main trait are discussed, and the measures taken in attempts to overcome these difficulties are described. Despite present drawbacks, genetic marker studies hold future promise as a means of detecting major gene effects in schizophrenia and other familial psychiatric disorders.
78 citations
01 Jan 1983
TL;DR: The balance of evidence suggests a modest genetic effect on both normal drinking and alcoholism in men, though similar evidence for women is so far lacking.
Abstract: Research into the possibility that heredity may influence drinking habits is still in its infancy, and the conclusions that can be reached from a number of the available twin and adoption studies are limited by their methodological deficiencies. Nevertheless, the balance of evidence suggests a modest genetic effect on both normal drinking and alcoholism in men, though similar evidence for women is so far lacking. Further studies are required to assess the significance of the genetic contribution, to elucidate exactly what is inherited, and to examine the nature of gene-environment interactions.
68 citations
TL;DR: Lower platelet MAO activity in schizophrenia, where it is found, is genetically modulated and not the result of the illness or its treatment.
Abstract: Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was compared in four age and sex-matched groups: monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for schizophrenia, normal MZ twins, normal dizygotic (DZ) twins and unrelated individuals. Among the twin groups, schizophrenic and normal there was a remarkably consistent degree of genetic control amounting to 70-80 per cent of the variation in activity. The mean platelet MAO activity of the schizophrenic twins was significantly lower than that of controls, but not than that of their psychiatrically well, neuroleptic-free cotwins; indeed the correlation for the MZ twins discordant for schizophrenia was almost exactly the same as that for the normal MZs. Thus, lower platelet MAO activity in schizophrenia, where it is found, is genetically modulated and not the result of the illness or its treatment.
59 citations
20 citations
TL;DR: The present results indicate a need for chelation therapy in many of these young subjects because of high blood leads and that mercaptanes to petrol used locally, to make it unfit for inhalation, is not likely to lower bone lead significantly.
11 citations
Journal Article•
7 citations
TL;DR: This is the first reported case of adverse psychological effects from this type of training in Great Britain but it closely resembles previous reports from the United States of America.
Abstract: – A case of a psychotic episode following Erhard Seminars Training is reported. This is the first reported case of adverse psychological effects from this type of training in Great Britain but it closely resembles previous reports from the United States of America. The possibility of a distinct syndrome is tentatively raised. The apparent rarity of such episodes is noted.
1 citations