摘要:

A specific family history or genetic background may be used to distinguish valid subgroups in patients who show similar symptoms. Also, a familial background may predict differences in other characteristics, i.e. course of illness, response to treatment or biological characteristics. Two hundred and fifty-one bipolar patients were separated according to their family history, 20 with a family history of mania with or without depression, 86 with a family history of depression only, and 145 with a family history of neither mania nor depression. The group that had a family history of mania was notable in that it showed more episodes of affective illness and was more likely to be readmitted to hospital. This difference in course suggests a familial association with multiple episodes and mania. In other respects than in course of illness, the groups separated by family history were similar.

ISSN:0254-4962    

DOI:10.1159/000284432

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1986

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

After briefly reviewing the main findings of twin research in. functional psychoses, the author focuses the attention on neglected aspects of twin research, such as the study of co-twins of monozygotic (MZ) subjects with functional psychosis, and the study of life histories of discordantly affected twins. Through a thorough investigation of the nonpsychotic co-twins of MZ subjects, one might be able to identify vulnerability factors. By studying the life course of the twins in a pair, discovery of environmental etiological factors are possible. By including twins with both schizophrenic, manic-depressive and reactive psychotic symptomatology, one should be able to discover whether the environmental factors are of a specific kind.

ISSN:0254-4962    

DOI:10.1159/000284433

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1986

数据来源: Karger