Is schizophrenia inherited? Even mild cases?

I was adopted and know that my natural mother was treated for schizophrenia with shock treatments in 1953. My daughter (22 years old) has been suffering from odd thoughts that she has just brought to my attention. Besides her depression, her deeper , bizarre thoughts seem to be coming to the surface and frightening her. Is this a sighn of schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia, like many other illnesses, has a genetic basis that is triggered by some unknown environmental impacts. So, it's not inherited, it's not "passed on", but it does run in families. You should have your daughter evaluated right away for peace of mind, or for treatment if appropriate. From what I know about schizophrenia, her age is right for symptoms to emerge like this. Your daughter's experience may not be identical to your mother's, but I'm sure its a source of worry. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of anything is best. Be brave.

Some say mental illness can be passed down, so yes.

Schizophrenia is heritable, but even if your identical twin is schizophrenic, your odds of getting it are only 50%. A grandmother with schizophrenia puts your daughter at risk for the disorder, but doesn't mean that she has it. Whether her "bizarre thoughts" are signs of psychosis depends on just how unusual they are. If she is depressed, she could have depression with psychotic features, which just means that those thoughts are a symptom of the severity of her depression, not a sign that she has schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder also combines symptoms of depression with delusional thinking. However, I would definitely have her evaluated by a competent psychiatrist or psychologist. Whether she has schizophrenia, depression, or some other condition, she should be accurately diagnosed and treated in order to recover as quickly and completely as possible. There is hope for all of theses disorders. Hang in there.

There is a genetic component to schizophrenia, though it is not 100%. If she is having depression and bizarre thoughts, the smart thing to do is have her evaluated thoroughly by a good psychiatrist. She may benefit from medication.
You should also learn some of the nutritional and psychological approaches that can help. It's best to approach a possible mental illness from different angles.
By the way, treatment of mental illnesses has come a long way since 1953.

It could be, it could also be another type of mental disorder. Bizarre thoughts can also be a symptom of untreated bi-polar disorder. I have known several people during my lifetime, who were bi-polar. If they go untreated, all types of problems can develop. Like: hearing voices, sleep problems, nightmares, blackouts-- (where they forget what they did the day before.) Or, short term memory loss, also, they start having anxiety, and other mood problems.

Hallucinations can also be a sign, there is something seriously wrong. Examples of this are things like: She may think someone that loves her really hates her, or she is in some type of danger, etc. I would call a local clinic and find out if you can get a good referral for a psychiatrist. Only they can diagnose her correctly. Also, give her the right meds, so she can get better, and have a normal life. Best of luck to both of you....