Incest: some neuropsychiatric findings.
A review of the medical records of twenty-two patients who were the child or younger member of an incestuous relationship revealed a higher than expected incidence of abnormal neuropsychiatric findings. Seventeen patients had abnormal EEG's; six had clinical seizures; and eight of thirteen patients tested gave evidence of a low IQ or organicity. In addition, indications of impulsivity and depersonalization were frequently found in this group. It could be speculated that these neuropsychiatric handicaps create a vulnerability that enhances inappropriate relationships within a family and makes it more difficult for the person to resist an incestuous relationship.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006677:Histrionic Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D007179:Incest; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology*