Introduction

In the history of Schizophrenia, its aetiology and possible treatment models, is the ever present influence, of the view within the professions dealing with the mentally disordered that seeks to blame parents for either the disorder itself, or the failure of the disorder to remit. Parents may be aware that they are being blamed by professionals and may suffer guilt as a consequence. Although much literature exists on the various theories which have evolved on the aetiology of mental health disorders, and in particular Schizophrenia and pathogenic parenting models, there have been few attempts to examine models which may still be being applied to patients and families today, and trace their historical roots. In particular, it is vital to understand exactly why Freud and the psychoanalytical tradition were so influential, in order to understand the development of pathogenic parenting as an approach to Schizophrenia.