[Schizophrenia in half-sisters]

Little is known about identical schizophrenic disorders in half-siblings. In this study, we report on one family with six half-siblings (from 3 different marriages of the mother) three of whom developed schizophrenic disorders. Based on psychodynamic and psychosocial viewpoints, we studied the family environment and premorbid characteristics. We also investigated the conditions and psychoreactive factors leading up to the onset or relapse of the illness. We compared the mental developments, particularly the personal relationships of the schizophrenic half-siblings with those of the normal half-siblings. We also attempted to clarify the pathological conditions on the hand and the protective factors on the other hand.