Rotten Mango

#376: Most “Mentally Insane” Family In America- Six Schizophrenic Brothers

Jul 21, 2024
Meet the Galvin family, known as the most mentally disturbed in America, with six schizophrenic brothers. Dive into their challenging dynamics, struggles with mental illness, family abuse, and the complexities of caring for siblings with schizophrenia. Explore the shocking story of a unique family battling stigma and tragedy.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood Witch-Play That Revealed Delusion

  • Seven-year-old Lindsay ties her older brother Donald to a tree intending to burn him but flees when she cannot bring herself to light the fire.
  • Donald would have gladly died for her because he believed she was the Virgin Mary, illustrating his deep delusions and devotion.
INSIGHT

Unusually High Family Cluster

  • The Galvin household had 12 full-blood siblings and six later diagnosed with schizophrenia, an unusually high cluster for one family.
  • This concentration made their home a real-world case study for genetic and environmental schizophrenia research.
ADVICE

Be Critical Of Media Portrayals

  • Media depictions of schizophrenia often exaggerate violence and stigmatize families, so consume such portrayals critically.
  • Avoid equating mental illness with inherent dangerousness; studies show people with schizophrenia are more often victims than perpetrators.
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