A new method for examining genetic information has shown that genetic variations associated with schizophrenia are common in the general population.

Researchers found that everyone carries genetic risk variants for schizophrenia but the disorder only manifests itself when certain genes, along with environmental factors, mix.

The study, the largest of its kind to date with more than 20,000 participants, aims to improve the diagnosis of schizophrenia as more specific genes are mapped out.