Etiological and prevention views of clinicians with mentally ill relatives

In a survey of 84 experienced mental health professionals with family members suffering from long-term psychotic disorders, more than 70% ranked biogenetic variables as primary, regardless of familial relationship to the patient. Family interactions and parenting were minimized as etiological factors. Biochemical/genetic research, psychopharmacological research, and research on high-risk children were the highest ranked prevention priorities.