Am J Psychiatry 1981; 138:351-354
Copyright © 1981 by American Psychiatric Association
Family influence in the recruitment of schizophrenic research subjects
R Ketai, RE Minter, MA Brandwin and M Brode
While seeking research subjects to test the effect of hemodialysis on
schizophrenia, the authors noted that the relatives of schizophrenic
patients tried to involve themselves excessively in the selection process.
Of 27 patients referrals meeting diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia,
only one contact was initiated by the patient; the rest were initiated by
family members. In more than half of the family- initiated contacts
relatives attempted to become excessively involved in the patient's
decision making. The authors discuss these observations in light of family
theories of schizophrenia. They urge caution in selecting subjects for
research that attempts to test other researchers' earlier claims which may
have stimulated premature hope of improvement.
