The Concept of Schizophrenogenic Parents in Hebephrenic Schizophrenia

The l i te ra ture is contradictory regarding t h e parents of ~schizophrenics. This study is a trial to discuss the concept of schizophrenogenic parents in cases of hebephrenic type and )their impact on different sex patients. From Benha hospital for mental health and Benha University hospital, fifty cases of hebephrenic schizophrenia, thirty cases of schizophrenia other 1 ypes than hebephrenic, th i r ty cases of generalized anxiety disorder and thirty persons (volunteers) without psychiatric disorders (working at the same hospitals were selected according to inclusive criteria. Parents of all types were followed up over I he period from 1992 till the end of 1994 in regular individual as well a s family meetings. A semi-structured interview was performed and MMPI was applied to all parents. Comparison between results of the four groups as well as between results of male and female cases of hebephrenic schizophrenia proved some important findings. The study emphasized the important role of parents in unfolding the psychotic process in schizophrenia. The 5tudy proved that same sex parent has more important role i n determining psychopathology. Personality of parents, parental interaction and parent-child relationship may determine the :,ymptoms of schizophrenia and so its type. The authors recommended studying siblings also as parents represent only one aspect of family dynamics and considering genetic factors :dso in further study to determine what is inherited genetically m d what is acquired (socially inherited) during upbringing of t chizophrenic patient. ( ~ g ~ ~ t . ~ . Psychiat.,l997, 20: