[Slight sibling age difference--a risk factor in the genesis of schizoid disorders?].

615 neurotic patients from two outpatient Clinics were divided into three groups: only children, siblings with minimal age difference group, siblings not of minimal age difference group. The following hypothesis were to be examined: The younger of two siblings with minimal age difference are at greater risk to develop schizoid disorders. The hypothesis was proved correct. Amongst our patients the younger of two siblings of minimal age difference were at a particularly high risk in becoming schizoid. In addition we found the following risiko configuration in the early developmental period. Frequently these patients originated from families with many children, the age difference to the next sibling is also minimal, the mother is frequently lost before the age of three and the father is often self employed. These results confirm the so called "hypothesis of neglect" as it is observed in the development of schizoid disorders. A reexamination of the result of this research is to be desired.