[The family of the schizophrenic : interfering or ally?]

We have presented an overview of the different studies of the family of the schizophrénie completed in the second half of this century. The first studies, of a more descriptive nature, sought to establish the aetiology of schizophrenia; they identified the family as one of the principal causes of the illness. Subsequently, methodological refinements and the contribution of genetic research have brought researchers to consider the family from a different perspective. From that point on, the family appears as an important factor, but it is linked to subtle and complex environmental factors which remain to be determined. Researchers now tend to favour an approach which permits the family to play an active role in relation to the evolution of the illness. The family is perceived more and more as a potential ally of the affected person and efforts are made to incorporate it in the treatment. This is, at least, the goal sought by proponents of the psycho-educational approach, and the therapeutic results appear to be most encouraging at the present time.