Folie a famille — the need for family perspectives in psychiatry

Abstract

AbstractA case of folie a famille is described. The presenting symptom bearer was a child thus necessitating psychiatric contact with his family. This prevented the folie a famille from remaining covert as may have occurred had an adult presented in a similar manner. The possibility is raised that folie a plusieurs has a higher incidence than previously believed. Criticism is made of the tendency of adult psychiatry and its diagnostic systems to focus purely upon the individual. The investigation, formulation and management of the case using the family is outlined.