College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists

Roy Perlis, MD MSc

Finding Common Ground Across the Psychosis Spectrum

Previously, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been classified as two separate diagnoses in the practice of psychiatry.  However, several findings recently have called into question whether these disorders are etiologically distinct.  Family and twin studies have established that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are familial and heritable phenotypes with shared genetic factors.  Both disorders also share key clinical features including psychosis, neurocognitive impairment, and suicidality.  During this presentation, Roy Perlis, MD, MSc will discuss recent findings in genetic studies of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as examine their implications on diagnostic tools and treatment. Plan to attend this session to gain insight into the future role of genetics in psychiatry.