

The Story of Schizophrenia
5 snips Apr 7, 2020
In this enlightening discussion, Robert Kolker, author of "Hidden Valley Road", and Stefan McDonough, Pfizer's Executive Director of Genetics, delve into the complexities of schizophrenia through the poignant lens of the Galvin family. They unravel the historical shifts in understanding and treatment of the illness, from lobotomies to the introduction of modern medications. The guests also explore groundbreaking genetic research and potential advancements in treatment, offering hope amidst the challenges in understanding this mysterious mental health issue.
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Shift in Understanding Schizophrenia
- In 1903, psychiatry shifted from viewing schizophrenia as a religious affliction to a medical one.
- This sparked a nature-nurture debate between Freud (who believed in therapy) and others who suspected a physical cause.
The Schizophrenogenic Mother
- Psychoanalyst Frida Fromm-Reichman coined the term "schizophrenogenic mother" in 1948.
- She blamed flawed parenting for causing schizophrenia, a view later popularized (though distorted) in films like "Psycho."
Mimi Galvin's Parenting
- Mimi Galvin's falconry experience mirrored her parenting approach: disciplined effort leads to desired results.
- This tragically manifested in six of her twelve children developing schizophrenia.