A second case of schizophrenia in the family: is it observed differently?
Comparing reports on emerging symptomatology of schizophrenia by families with and without a prior case of the disorder shows that experienced families are more sensitive to delusions and hallucinations; however, they observe unspecific, affective, negative, and social/behavioral symptoms less adequately than relatives who have no previous case of schizophrenia in their families. The results only partly support the hypothesis that already-affected families tend to deny a second case. A contrast effect of the first psychosis over the second case (as long as it is prepsychotic) appears to be plausible also.
Hambrecht
M
M
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.
D000328:Adult; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology