General development of children of schizophrenic patients: a comparative study

Abstract

Children of schizophrenic patients have and increased risk of having mental problems. It is extremely difficult to perceive the distinguishing features that may exist in thesr children before they become manifestly ill. Early identification of these distingyishing features might provide a reference for identifying vulnerability and early intervention to subsequent disorder. This study was carried out to assess the general development of 26 children of schizophrenic patients compared to that of 22 children of normal parents. Data were collected through physical and psychological assessments, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires. Results showed no group difference in children's height, weight, motor coordination, cognitive ability, or level of depression. However, children of schizophrenic patients exhibited sig-nificantly more anxious behavior. #0395#