A Lethal Inheritance

This is a deeply personal and meticulously researched exploration of the science behind the family ties of mental illness. Every family has its secrets, but some secrets can be lethal. In Victoria Costello’s family mental illness was given many different names across at least four generations until the inherited conspiracy of silence finally endangered her children. In this riveting story, part memoir, part detective story, and part scientific investigation, Costello recounts how the diagnosis of her 17-year old son with paranoid schizophrenia, her own fight with clinical depression, and her youngest son’s struggle with anxiety disorder compelled her to look into her family history for clues to their conditions. Along the way, she discovers startling new neuroscience and genetic findings that explain how clusters of mental illness navigate family generations. “A Lethal Inheritance” also explores cutting edge research in Britain and Europe to identify the earliest signs of mental illness.

Author Biography

Victoria Costello is a blogger for PsychologyToda­y.com, and Emmy-award winning science journalist, and the co-author of a number of child psychology books.

Author note

A LETHAL INHERITANCE is my memoir and investigation into the science of mental illness–especially how it runs in families. Much of the basis for my research is the Dunedin Family Health and Mental Health History project. I am much appreciative of the work done there and the findings which have much to say to all of us, everywhere. There’s also a great deal on Patrick McGorry’s work in Australia, also pioneering. So thanks NZ and AU!

Author Biography

Victoria Costello is a blogger for PsychologyToday.com, and Emmy-award winning science journalist, and the co-author of a number of child psychology books.