Growing Up with a Schizophrenic Mother

An estimated two to three million people in the United States today were raised by a schizophrenic parent. Brown and Roberts offer a unique book based on interviews with over forty adult children of mothers diagnosed as schizophrenic. Such topics as the isolation their family felt, their chaotic home environments, their present relationships with their mothers, and the lost potential of mother and child are covered. Their stories are fascinating and provide important information to both the mental health community and the lay public. The offspring have been described as having higher rates of “increased aggressivity” and “sibling conflict,” but often their circumstances strengthened these children and contributed to artistic and creative talents, resiliency, and high achievements.

The authors provide an overview of schizophrenia, behaviors of the affected parent, and the marital relationship of the patient and her non-schizophrenic spouse. As adults, the respondents now share their grievances about the psychological community—what they needed and did not get. Brown and Roberts then present suggestions for treatment of affected children aimed at psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and health care providers.

Margaret J. Brown is a psychotherapist practicing in the Atlanta area.

Doris Parker Roberts is a licensed clinical social worker and board certified diplomate in social work. She has a private practice in Atlanta.

by Margaret J. Brown and Doris Parker Roberts

Format: softcover (6×9)
Pages: 207
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2000
pISBN: 978-0-7864-0820-7
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8030-2
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction 1
From Doris 2
From Margaret 5
Information About the Combined Study 9
Existing Literature 11
Purpose and Goals of This Book 12
Schizophrenia: An Overview 17

1—MOTHER 21
Appearance 21
Emotional Affect 22
Withdrawing or Overreacting 24
Cognitive Distortions and Delusions 27
Bizarre and Inappropriate Behavior 28
Hospitalizations 32
Medications 35
Suicidal or Homicidal Behavior 37
Hallucinations 38
Relationship or Emotional Involvement 39
Feelings Toward Mother 42

2—THE FAMILY 48
Fathers 51
Marital Conflict 59
Family Dynamics 60
Extended Family 62
Siblings 66

3—THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOME 71
Chaos 72
Social Isolation 79
Abuse 86
Neglect 87
The Community 92

4—EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND COGNITIVE EFFECTS 95
Emotional Effects 96
Behavioral Effects 112
Effects on Cognition and Learning 117

5—THE QUALITY OF ADULT LIFE 121
Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, and Lost Potential 122
Identity and Role Models 124
Fear of Inheriting Schizophrenia 125
Fear for Children 126
Psychotherapy in Adulthood 128
Career 128
Difficulties in Relationships 129

6—COPING 139
What Helped 139
What Was Needed 151

7—ADULT INTERACTIONS WITH MOTHER 159
Schizophrenia and Aging 159
Taking Care of the Elderly Mother 161
Conflict and Loss 164
Insufficient Closure 166

8—RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS 169
Issues for Professional Consideration 172

Epilogue 183
Appendix: Resources 185
Notes 189
Bibliography 193
Index 195

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