[Discordance analysis of monozygotic twin pairs. Case study on psychogenesis]

We performed a discordance-analysis on six pairs of identical twins. They were selected from a large series of neurotic patients who came to visit one of two psychoanalytic outpatient departments. The results of this elaborate case studies are discussed here. The classical twin methods usually will help to clear the question of naturenurture-relation. Contrary to this the aim of discordance-analysis is to proof specific environmental factors which influence development of neurotic illness. The application of this method is rarely possible, because several conditions have to be fullfilled: The patients have to be identical twins; they must be available and willing to undergo psychoanalytic interview; apart from this they must present discordant neurotic complaints.--By a very exact analysis of the early childhood influences we can draw conclusions about psychogenesis of neutotic illness in later life. This method owns extraordinary advantages because of the existence of a control person with identical genetic outfit.