ABSTRACT
Let us go one step further in our thinking. In family study and treatment of schizophrenia, we observe circular effects: the influence of family on patient and the influence of patient on family. If, in selected cases, we succeed in reversing some of the central features of psychotic experience by means of family intervention, we are adducing, thereby, evidence of the significant association between family and individual homeostasis. When, by this method, we are able to retard the pathogenic trend and draw the patient back into the real life space of his family group, we infer that the family method of therapy holds the potential power, not only to influence the secondary elaborations, but also to influence the primary manifestations of this disorder. In taking this stand, we do not assert that the social factor is the exclusive etiologic agent; we do not claim a cure. Nor do we say that such improvement can be achieved uniformly with all types of schizophrenia, at any and all stages of the illness, and with every type of family. We contend only that if such a result can be brought about in a few instances, this, by itself, is a significant reflection on the nature of the illness and on the crucial role of family interaction. In present-day controversy, this is an important consideration, since it is often asserted by organically minded investigators that psychotherapy influences the secondary manifestations exclusively, not touching the primary schizophrenic process. We do not agree with this point of view. For us, it is a striking observation that family psychotherapy, under favorable environmental and organismic conditions, seems to affect both the primary and secondary manifestations.
