Work

Life Course Challenges Faced by Siblings of Individuals with Schizophrenia May Increase Risk for Depressive Symptoms

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research suggests siblings of individuals with schizophrenia are at a heightened risk for depressive symptomatology. Research has not yet examined whether the strains of growing up with a brother or sister with schizophrenia contribute to this risk. This study examined whether early life course burdens associated with an emerging mental illness, and current objective and subjective caregiver burden predicted depressive symptoms in siblings of individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD: Forty-one siblings of individuals with schizophrenia were recruited from a large study of schizophrenia neurobiology to complete a self-administered questionnaire and a neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS: <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early life course burdens associated with having a sibling with schizophrenia and current subjective burden provide insight into psychosocial factors that may contribute to the risk for depression in this sibling group. Mental health service providers and psychoeducation programs would benefit by considering these factors when developing family-based interventions.

Source: Mental Health in Family Medicine

DOI: 10.25149/1756-8358.1201003

Authors: Matthew J Smith, Jan S Greenberg, Sarah A Sciortino, Gisela M Sandoval, Ellen P Lukens

Institutions: Northwestern University, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Family Caregiving in Mental Illness

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Northwestern University, Washington University in St. Louis, National Institute of Mental Health